Cleaning apparatus having a functional generator for producing electrochemically activated cleaning liquid

ABSTRACT

An apparatus is provided, which includes a mobile body configured to travel over a surface, a source of a liquid, a liquid dispenser and a flow path from the liquid source to the liquid dispenser. A functional generator is coupled in the flow path, which comprises an anode chamber and a cathode chamber separated by an ion exchange membrane and which electrochemically activates the liquid from the liquid source which is passed through the functional generator.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from and the benefit of the followingU.S. Provisional Application No.: 60/772,104, filed Feb. 10, 2006 andentitled “ELECTROCHEMICALLY ACTIVATED WATER FOR HARD AND SOFT FLOORCLEANING SYSTEMS;” Application No. 60/815,804, filed Jun. 22, 2006 andentitled “ELECTROCHEMICALLY ACTIVATED WATER FOR HARD AND SOFT FLOORCLEANING SYSTEMS;” Application No. 60/815,721, filed Jun. 22, 2006 andentitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE GENERATION AND USE OF SPARGEDELECTROCHEMICALLY ACTIVATED LIQUID;” and Application No. 60/864,724,filed Nov. 7, 2006 and entitled “METHOD AND APPRATAUS FOR THE GENERATIONAND USE OF ELECTROCHEMICALLY ACTIVATED LIQUID WITH VISUAL INDICATOR,”which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Cross-reference is also made to the following U.S. Patent Applications,which were filed on even date herewith and are hereby incorporated byreference in their entireties: U.S. application Ser. No. 11/655,389,entitled “METHOD FOR GENERATING ELECTROCHEMICALLY ACTIVATED CLEANINGLIQUID;”U.S. application Ser. No. 11/655,359, entitled “MOBILE SURFACECLEANER HAVING A SPARGING DEVICE;” U.S. application Ser. No. 11/655,360,entitled “METHOD OF PRODUCING A SPARGED CLEANING LIQUID ONBOARD A MOBILESURFACE CLEANER;” U.S. application Ser. No. 11/655,390, entitled“APPARATUS FOR GENERATING SPARGED, ELECTROCHEMICALLY ACTIVATED LIQUID;”U.S. application Ser. No. 11/655,310, entitled “METHOD OF GENERATINGSPARGED, ELECTROCHEMICALLY ACTIVATED LIQUID;” U.S. application Ser. No.11/655,385, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCINGHUMANLY-PERCEPTABLE INDICATOR OF ELECTROCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF AN OUTPUTCLEANING LIQUID;” U.S. application Ser. No. 11/655,378, entitled“ELECTROCHEMICALLY ACTIVATED ANOLYTE AND CATHOLYTE LIQUID;” U.S.application Ser. No. 11/655,415, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FORGENERATING, APPLYING AND NEUTRALIZING AN ELECTROCHEMICALLY ACTIVATEDLIQUID.”

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to cleaning and/or sanitizing systems,and more particularly but not limited to systems that generate a workingliquid having cleaning and/or sanitizing properties.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

A wide variety of systems are in use today for cleaning or disinfectingresidential, industrial, commercial, hospital, food processing, andrestaurant facilities, such as surfaces and other substrates, and forcleaning or disinfecting various items, such as food products or otherarticles.

For example, hard floor surface scrubbing machines are widely used toclean the floors of industrial and commercial buildings. They range insize from a small model, which is controlled by an operator walkingbehind it, to a large model, which is controlled by an operator ridingon the machine. Such machines in general are wheeled vehicles withsuitable operator controls. Their bodies contain power and driveelements, a solution tank to hold a cleaning liquid, and a recovery tankto hold soiled solution recovered from the floor being scrubbed. A scrubhead, which contains one or more scrubbing brushes and associated driveelements are attached to the vehicle and may be located in front of,under or behind it. A solution distribution system dispenses cleaningliquid from the solution tank to the floor in the vicinity of thescrubbing brush or brushes.

Soft floor cleaning machines can be implemented as small mobile machinesthat are handled by an operator or can be implemented in a truck-mountedsystem having a cleaning wand connected to the truck. The truck carriesa cleaning liquid solution tank, a wastewater recovery tank and apowerful vacuum extractor.

Typical cleaning liquids used in hard and soft floor cleaning systemsinclude water and a chemically based detergent. The detergent typicallyincludes a solvent, a builder, and a surfactant. While these detergentsincrease cleaning effectiveness for a variety of different soil types,such as dirt and oils, these detergents also have a tendency to leaveunwanted residue on the cleaned surface. Such residue can adverselyaffect the appearance of the surface and the tendency of the surface tore-soil and, depending on the detergent, can potentially cause adversehealth or environment effects. Similar disadvantages apply to cleaningsystems for other types of surfaces and items.

Improved cleaning systems are desired for reducing the use of typicaldetergents and/or reducing the residue left on the surface aftercleaning while maintaining desired cleaning and/or disinfectingproperties.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a mobile surface cleaner,which includes a mobile body configured to travel over a surface, asource of a liquid, a liquid dispenser and a flow path from the liquidsource to the liquid dispenser. A functional generator is coupled in theflow path, which comprises an anode chamber and a cathode chamberseparated by an ion exchange membrane and which electrochemicallyactivates the liquid from the liquid source which is passed through thefunctional generator.

Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to an apparatus, whichincludes an apparatus, which includes a source of a liquid, a liquiddispenser, and a flow path from the liquid source to the liquiddispenser. A functional generator is in fluid communication with theflow path, which converts the liquid into an anolyte electrochemicallyactivated (EA) liquid and a catholyte EA liquid. The anolyte EA liquidand the catholyte EA liquid are combined on-board the apparatus to forma combination of the anolyte EA liquid and the catholyte EA liquid. Theliquid dispenser dispenses the combination of the anolyte EA liquid andthe catholyte EA liquid.

Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a surface cleaner,which includes a mobile body configured to travel over a surface and asource of a liquid. An electrolyzer converts the liquid into an anolyteelectrochemically activated (EA) liquid and a catholyte EA liquid, and aliquid dispenser dispenses the anolyte EA liquid and the catholyte EAliquid.

Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a mobile surfacecleaner, which includes a mobile body configured to travel over asurface, a surface cleaning device carried by the mobile body, and ananolyte EA liquid source tank and a catholyte EA liquid source tank. Aliquid dispenser is in fluid communication with the anolyte andcatholyte EA liquid source tanks and dispenses liquid received from therespective tanks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a functional generator, which can beused to electrochemically activate a liquid to be treated for use incleaning, such as water, onboard or off-board a hard and/or soft floorcleaner according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a functional generator according to anotherembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates an apparatus having a sparging device locateddownstream of a functional generator, according to an embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates an apparatus having a sparging device locatedupstream of a functional generator, according to an embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates an apparatus having an electrolysis cell typesparging device located upstream of a functional generator, according toan embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates an apparatus having sparging devices located upstreamand downstream of a functional generator, according to an embodiment ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates an electrolysis cell type sparging device, accordingto an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIGS. 8A and 8B together illustrate a housing containing a spargingdevice and a functional generator according to an embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective views of the sparging device shown inFIG. 8B.

FIG. 10A is a side elevation view of a mobile hard floor surface cleanerin accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the mobile hard floor surface cleanershown in FIG. 10A with its lid in a closed state.

FIG. 10C is a perspective view of the mobile hard floor surface cleanershown in FIG. 10A with its lid in an open state.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a liquid distribution flow pathof the cleaner shown in FIGS. 10A-10C in greater detail according to anembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a floor cleaner that is configurable withmultiple types of cleaning tools and extractors to accommodate differentcleaning operations while using the same overall cleaner.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram, which illustrates the cleaner shown in FIG.12 in a mode adapted to clean soft floors, according to an embodiment ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram, which illustrates the cleaner shown in FIG.12 in a mode adapted to deeply clean soft floors, according to anembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram, which illustrates the cleaner shown in FIG.5 in a mode adapted to clean hard floors, according to an embodiment ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a soft floor cleaner (e.g. carpetextractor), according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an all-surface cleaner, according to anembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a truck-mounted system according to afurther embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a simplified block diagram, which illustrates a cleanerhaving an EA water distribution system with an odorous compound sourceaccording to a further embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a simplified block diagram of a cleaning liquid generatorthat mounted to a platform according to another embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a system, which includes an indicatorrepresenting an operating state of a functional generator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In one exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, a method and apparatusare provided, which use sparged liquid, an electrochemically activated(EA) anolyte and/or catholyte liquid, or a liquid that is both spargedand an electrochemically activated anolyte and/or catholyte liquid asthe sole or primary cleaning liquid to substantially or completelyeliminate the use of conventional surfactants/detergents during cleaningor disinfecting.

1. Surfactants Used in Traditional Cleaning Liquids

Conventional cleaning liquids generally include water and a chemicalsurfactant. As used herein, the term “surfactants” or “surface-activeagents”refer to amphiphilic compounds that facilitate adsorption atsurfaces or interfaces as well as aggregation at certain concentrationsand temperatures. The chemical make up of a surfactant adheres to aparticular molecular structure. The molecule is made up of at least twocomponents, one that is water-soluble (hydrophilic), and the other waterinsoluble (hydrophobic). In oil, the components are lipophilic andlipophobic respectively. The two are balanced to achieve desiredproperties for the surfactant.

With a cleaning apparatus that includes a mechanical scrubber, such as amobile hard floor cleaner for example, one benefit of includingsurfactants has been the ability to efficiently aerate the liquid to beused in cleaning into a foam, apply the foamed cleaning liquid to thehard floor surface, work the foamed cleaning liquid with the scrubbrushes, and substantially deaerate the foamed cleaning liquid prior torecovery of the soiled solution. In operation, dearation of the aeratedcleaning liquid is rapidly achieved via brush contact. As a result,relatively little foam is transferred into the recovery tank.

There are basically four types of surfactants, for example—(1) anionicsurfactants that dissociate into a negatively charged ion (anion) and apositively charged ion (cation) in an aqueous environment, wherein theanion becomes the carrier of the surface-active properties, (2) cationicsurfactants that also dissociate into an anion and a cation, wherein thecation becomes the carrier of the surface-active properties, (3)non-ionic surfactants that are surface-active substances, which do notdissociate into ions in an aqueous environment, and (4) amphotericsurfactants that contain both a positive and a negative charge in thesame surfactant molecule when present in an aqueous environment and canhave anionic or cationic properties depending on the composition andconditions, such as pH value of the aqueous environment.

In general, two main tasks of the surface-active agents for cleaninginclude (1) reducing the surface tension of water to get wettingproperties and releasing soil from surfaces, and (2) dispersing solidparticles and pigment. There are many variables that come into play whenit comes to producing effective cleaning surfactants and detergents.Generally, important parameters are time, temperature, aerated ornon-aerated systems, concentration, soil and mechanical treatment.

2. EA Liquids and Sparging

It has been discovered that electrochemically activated (EA) water andother EA liquids can be used with conventional cleaning systems insteadof or in addition to chemical surfactant-based liquids to clean surfacessuch as hard and/or soft floors. The following discussion uses EA“water” as an example of a primary cleaning liquid. However, any othersuitable EA liquid or solution can be used in other embodiments.

As used herein, the term “electrochemically activated liquid” or “EAliquid” refers, for example, to water with elevated reactivity thatcontains (1) reactive species, and/or (2) meta-stable (activated) ionsand free radicals formed after exposure to electrochemical energy in theform of a substantial voltage potential or current under non-equilibriumconditions. The term “activated”means, for example, the electrochemicalor eletrophysical state or condition of having excessive inner potentialenergy that is attained after exposure to thermodynamicallynon-equilibrium conditions for a period of time. Meta-stable ions andfree radicals relax in time by undergoing a gradual transition from ameta-stable state to a state of thermo-dynamic equilibrium.

As used herein, the term “electrochemical activation” refers, forexample, to the process in which substances in a meta-stable state areproduced during electrochemical exposure of liquid containing ions andmolecules of dissolved substances to an area of special charge close toan electrode surface under non-equilibrium charge transfer conditions.

In the case of EA water production, the initial liquid source used toform EA water can include, for example, (1) regular, untreated tap wateror other water that is commonly available, (2) pure water to which oneor more electrolytes have been added, (3) chemically treated tap water,and (4) other aqueous solutions containing a suitable concentration ofelectrolytes. In one embodiment, one or more electrolytes are added topure water (or other aqueous solution) to attain an electrolyteconcentration that is greater than zero and does not exceed 0.1 molesper liter. In a further embodiment, the electrolyte concentration thatis greater than zero and does not exceed 1.0 moles per liter. Otherconcentrations inside or outside of this range can be used in otherembodiments. Examples of suitable electrolytes include chloride salt,nitrate salt, carbonate salt or any other salt that is soluble in water(or other liquid being electrochemically activated). Chloride saltsinclude, for example, sodium chloride (such as pure NaCl), potassiumchloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride or the like. The term“electrolyte” means any substance that dissociates into two or more ionswhen dissolved in water or any substance that will conduct an electriccurrent when in solution.

EA water has enhanced cleaning power and sanitation capability whencompared to non-EA water. EA water also differs from regular oruntreated water at the molecular level and electron level.

It has further been discovered that a sparging device can be used to addfine gas bubbles to the EA water (or other liquid to be sparged) tocreate a cleaning liquid that is delivered to the surface or item to becleaned and utilized in the cleaning process. The liquid can be sparged,for example, before or after the liquid is electrochemically activatedinto an anolyte and a catholyte. The resulting cleaning liquidfacilitates an efficient wetting of the floor surface. If a reactive gasis used, such as oxygen, the oxygen gas bubbles can further improve thewetting properties of the liquid by reducing the surface tension of theliquid and can be reactive to further enhance the cleaning and/orsanitizing properties of the liquid.

If the liquid to be treated for use in cleaning is sparged, for exampleby mechanical and/or electrical methods, before being electrochemicallyactivated, the elevated oxygen (or other gas) levels produced bysparging can assist in the electrochemical activation process to createsuper oxygenated EA liquid for enhanced cleaning or sanitizing power.The super oxygenated EA water contains high levels of oxygen and iselectrochemically activated due to the presence of a diverse range ofmeta-stable ions and reactive free radicals. The end result is anelectrochemically activated foam, froth or reactive gas with enhancedcleaning and/or sanitizing power.

3. Functional Generator to Produce EA Liquid

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a functional generator (reactor) 10,which can be used to generate EA liquid. The terms “functionalgenerator” and “reactor” are interchangeable herein. Functionalgenerator 10 includes one or more electrochemical activation (EA) cells12, which receive feed water (or other liquid to be treated for use incleaning) from a liquid source 14 through feed lines 16, 17 and 18.Liquid source 14 can include a tank or other solution reservoir or caninclude a fitting or other inlet for receiving a liquid from an externalsource. In an embodiment, the feed water includes an aqueouscomposition, such as regular tap water, containing no more than 1.0moles per liter salt. In another embodiment, the aqueous compositioncontains no more than 0.1 moles per liter salt. An aqueous compositioncontaining more than 1.0 moles per liter salt can be used in furtherembodiments.

The term regular “tap water” means any water that is commonly availablefor home or commercial use, from public works, storage, wells, etc.Regular tap water typically contains salt at a concentration of lessthan 0.1 moles per liter. Deionized water or water in which the ioniccontent is negligible is less preferable since ions aid in theelectrochemical activation of water. As discussed above, liquidcompositions other than or in addition to regular tap water can be usedas the liquid to be treated for use in cleaning and/or sanitizing andelectrochemically activated for enhanced cleaning and/or sanitizingpower.

Each EA cell 12 electrochemically activates the feed water by at leastpartially utilizing electrolysis and produces EA water in the form of anacidic anolyte composition 20 and a basic catholyte composition 22. Theterms “acidic anolyte”, “EA anolyte”, “EA oxidized water” and “anolytecomposition” are used interchangeably within the detailed description.Similarly the terms “basic catholyte”, “EA reduced water,” “EAcatholyte” and “catholyte composition”are used interchangeably withinthe detailed description.

In one embodiment, each EA cell 12 has one or more anode chambers 24 andone or more cathode chambers 26 (only one shown), which are separated byan ion exchange membrane 27, such as a cation or anion exchangemembrane. One or more anode electrodes 30 and cathode electrodes 32 (oneof each electrode shown) are disposed in each anode chamber 24 and eachcathode chamber 26, respectively. The anode and cathode electrodes 30,32 can be made from any suitable material, such as titanium or titaniumcoated with a precious metal, such as platinum, or any other suitableelectrode material. The electrodes and respective chambers can have anysuitable shape and construction. For example, the electrodes can be flatplates, coaxial plates, rods, or a combination thereof. Each electrodecan have, for example, a solid construction or can have one or moreapertures, such as a metallic mesh. In addition, multiple cells 12 canbe coupled in series or in parallel with one another, for example.

The electrodes 30, 32 are electrically connected to opposite terminalsof a conventional power supply (not shown). Ion exchange membrane 27 islocated between electrodes 30 and 32. The power supply can provide aconstant DC output voltage, a pulsed or otherwise modulated DC outputvoltage, or a pulsed or otherwise modulated AC output voltage to theanode and cathode electrodes. The power supply can have any suitableoutput voltage level, current level, duty cycle or waveform.

For example in one embodiment, the power supply applies the voltagesupplied to the plates at a relative steady state. The power supplyincludes a DC/DC converter that uses a pulse-width modulation (PWM)control scheme to control voltage and current output. The DC/DCconverter uses approximately a 15 kHz pulse to produce the desiredvoltage to the anode and cathode in the range of 5V to 25V, such as avoltage of 15V with a power up to about 120-150 Watts. The duty cycle isdependent on desired voltage and current output. For example, the dutycycle of the DC/DC converter can be 90%. As explained in more detailbelow, the power supply can be configured, if desired, to alternatebetween a relative steady state voltage for 5 seconds at one polarityand then a relative steady state voltage for 5 seconds at the oppositepolarity.

Other types of power supplies can also be used, which can be pulsed ornot pulsed and at other voltage and power ranges. The parameters areapplication-specific.

Feed water is supplied from source 14 to both anode chamber 24 andcathode chamber 26 via feed water supply line 16, which can be branchedinto anode supply line or manifold 17 and cathode supply line ormanifold 18. The anode supply line 17 supplies the feed water to eachanode chamber 24, and the cathode supply line 18 supplies the feed waterto each cathode chamber.

In the case of a cation exchange membrane, upon application of a DCvoltage potential across anode 30 and cathode 32, such as a voltage in arange of about 5 Volts (V) to about 25V, cations originally present inthe anode chamber 24 move across the ion-exchange membrane 27 towardscathode 32 while anions in anode chamber 24 move towards anode 30.Similarly, cations present in the cathode chamber 26 move towardscathode 32. However, anions present in cathode chamber 26 are not ableto pass through the cation-exchange membrane, and therefore remainconfined within cathode chamber 26.

In addition, water molecules in contact with anode 30 areelectrochemically oxidized to oxygen (O₂) and hydrogen ions (H⁺) in theanode chamber 24 while water molecules in contact with the cathode 32are electrochemically reduced to hydrogen gas (H₂) and hydroxyl ions(OH⁻) in the cathode chamber 26. The hydrogen ions in the anode chamber24 are allowed to pass through the cation-exchange membrane 27 into thecathode chamber 26 where the hydrogen ions are reduced to hydrogen gaswhile the oxygen gas in the anode chamber 24 oxygenates the feed waterto form the anolyte 20. Furthermore, since regular tap water typicallyincludes sodium chloride and/or other chlorides, the anode 30 oxidizesthe chlorides present to form chlorine gas. As a result, a substantialamount of chlorine is produced and the pH of the anolyte composition 20becomes increasingly acidic over time.

As noted, water molecules in contact with the cathode 32 areelectrochemically reduced to hydrogen gas and hydroxyl ions (OH⁻) whilecations in the anode chamber 24 pass through the cation-exchangemembrane 27 into the cathode 32 when the voltage potential is applied.These cations are available to ionically associate with the hydroxylions produced at the cathode 32, while hydrogen gas typically bubbles tothe surface and escapes the cathode chamber 26, as noted by arrow 34. Asa result, a substantial amount of hydroxyl ions accumulates over time inthe cathode chamber 26 and reacts with cations to form basic hydroxides.In addition, the hydroxides remain confined to the cathode chamber 26since the cation-exchange membrane does not allow the negatively chargedhydroxyl ions pass through the cation-exchange membrane. Consequently, asubstantial amount of hydroxides is produced in the cathode chamber 26,and the pH of the catholyte composition 22 becomes increasingly alkalineover time.

Since hydrogen gas 34 readily escapes from the cathode chamber 26, theelectrochemical reactions of the functional generator 10 never reachequilibrium. As a result, the non-equilibrium conditions of theelectrolysis process in the functional generator 10 allow concentrationof reactive species and the formation of metastable ions and radicals inthe anode chamber 24 and cathode chamber 26 chamber.

The electrochemical activation process typically occurs by eitherelectron withdrawal (at anode 30) or electron introduction (at cathode32), which leads to alteration of physiochemical (including structural,energetic and catalytic) properties of the feed water. It is believedthat the feed water (anolyte or catholyte) gets activated in theimmediate proximity of the electrode surface where the electric fieldintensity can reach a very high level. This area can be referred to asan electric double layer (EDL).

Alternatively, for example, an aqueous composition containing deionizedwater and up to 0.1 moles per liter salt, such as 0.1 moles per litersodium chloride, can be introduced into the anode and cathode chambers24 and 26. The sodium chloride fully dissociates into positively chargedsodium ions (Na⁺) and negatively charged chloride ions (Cl⁻). The sodiumand chloride ions become hydrated by water molecules. Positively chargedsodium ions present in the water move towards cathode 32 while negativechloride ions move towards anode 30.

Water is oxidized to oxygen gas and hydrogen ions at anode 30 andreduced to hydroxyl ions and hydrogen gas at cathode 32. Sodium ionslocated near or on the surface of the cathode 32 are therefore capableof ionically associating with the negatively charged hydroxyl ions toform sodium hydroxide. As a result, cathode chamber 26 contains waterand hydroxides, which cause an increase in the pH, and the water becomesincreasingly alkaline over time.

Similarly, chloride ions present in anode chamber 24 becomeelectrochemically oxidized to chlorine gas. Hydrogen ions or othercations present in anode chamber 32 are transferred throughcation-exchange membrane 27. As a result, anode chamber 24 containschlorine and oxygen gas that cause a decrease in pH over time.

As mentioned, hydrogen gas readily escapes from aqueous compositions;hence, the electrochemical reactions do not reach equilibrium. As aresult, the non-equilibrium condition of the electrolysis process in thefunctional generator 10 continues to allow concentration of reactivespecies and the formation of metastable ions and radicals in the anodechamber 24 and cathode chamber 26.

In another embodiment, one or both of electrodes 30 and 32 can be coatedwith silver. Alternatively, for example, additional electrodes can beadded to chamber 12, which are coated or embedded with silver. Thesilver slowly dissolves during use, thereby releasing silver ions, suchas silver nano-ions, into the anolyte and/or catholyte. The silver ionscan help increase the sanitizing properties of the produced EA liquid.

4. Ion Exchange Membrane

As mentioned above, the ion exchange membrane 27 can include a cationexchange membrane or an anion exchange membrane. In the case of a cationexchange membrane, the membrane may be in the form of a single-layermembrane derived from one perfluoroionomer resin, for example.Alternatively, for example, the cation-exchange membrane 27 may be inthe form of a two-layer membrane derived from the same or two differentperfluoroionomer resins, for example. Other materials can also be usedhaving various numbers of layers. In addition, membranes are usuallyreinforced by a porous structure or body that is made ofpolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), for example, to provide sufficientmechanical strength.

Cation-exchange membranes include anion-exchange groups (—SO₃ ⁻ or—COO⁻), for example, which are covalently bound to the polymer skeleton.During operation, ionic salts disassociate in water into cations oranions. The cations are referred to as counter ions while anions arereferred to as co-ions of the cation-exchange membrane.

Under an electrical potential gradient existing in electrochemical cell,Na⁺ and H⁺ ions clustering with water molecules are transported throughthe membrane toward the negative charged cathode and co-ions (Cl⁻ andOH⁻) are transported toward positively charged anode.

Even though cation-exchange membranes selectively transmit Na⁺, othercations and water molecules but suppress diffusion of Cl⁻ and OH⁻ ions,some hydroxyl anions are still able to migrate through thecation-exchange membrane. The main net result is an enrichment of Cl⁻ions in anode chamber 24 and Na⁺(and to a lesser degree H⁺) ions incathode chamber 26, and extremely low diffusion of Cl⁻ anions fromanolyte 20 to catholyte 22 and OH⁻ anions from catholyte 22 to anolyte20. In one embodiment, to limit or prevent hydroxyl ion migration, theside of the perfluorosulfonic acid membrane contacting the catholyte 22can be covered by a layer of perfluorocarbohylyc acid polymer.

The charge of bonded ions in the cation-exchange membrane is balanced byequivalent charges of counter ions in the form of H⁺, Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, andthe like. Cation-exchange membranes typically work when sufficientlyhydrated. When a polymer is placed in water, the polymer swells, becomespliable and allows ions to move freely under the action of a voltagepotential or by diffusion. As a result, it is believed thecation-exchange membrane behaves like an ion conductor in an electricfield and can transmit cations with high selectivity.

It is also believed the hydrogen (R—SO₃H) and sodium (R—SO₃Na) forms ofstrong acid resins are highly dissociated and the exchangeable Na⁺ andH⁺ are readily available for exchange over the entire pH range. Hence,exchange capacity and therefore process efficiency is not pH dependent.However, it is believed hydrogen (R—COOH) and sodium (R—COONa) forms ofweak carboxylic acids the dissociation is not high and is very pHdependent. Consequently, the exchange capacity of weak carboxylic acidsis strongly pH dependent as is the process efficiency when suchmembranes are employed.

The operation of cation-exchange membranes is also a function of (1)ionic conductivity or the total transport of cations through themembrane, (2) ion current density, (3) ion transport number or thecurrent carried by a specific ion relative to the total current applied,(4) molecular weight of the backbone polymer, (5) porosity of themembrane, (6) equivalent weight or weight of dry polymer in gramscontaining one mole of sulfonic acid group, (7) ion exchange capacity ortotal number of chemical equivalent of sulfonic acid groups availablefor exchange per unit weight or unit volume of polymer resin, (8)hydration or percent water adsorbed by the polymer and/or (9) watertransport.

Examples of suitable cation-exchange membranes that can be used infunctional generator 10 include Nafion membranes from DuPont, USA,Flemion membranes from Asahi Glass Co., Japan, Aciplex membranes fromAsahi Chemical Industries Co., Japan and Dow membranes from DowChemical, USA. An example of a suitable functional generator includesthe Emco Tech “JP102” cell found within the JP2000 ALKABLUE LX, which isavailable from Emco Tech Co., LTD, of Yeupdong, Goyang-City, Kyungki-Do,South Korea. This particular cell has a DC range of 27 Volts, a pH rangeof about 10 to about 5.0, a cell size of 62 mm by 109 mm by 0.5 mm, andfive electrode plates. Other types of functional generators can also beused, which can have various different specifications.

5. Properties of the EA Water Output

Electrochemical activation within functional generator 10 produces EAwater that can be used for cleaning and/or sanitizing. The EA water isproduced in the form of an acidic anolyte 20 and a basic catholyte 22 atthe outputs of anode chamber 24 and cathode chamber 26, respectively.

A. Anolyte

Anolyte 20 is acidic in nature and contains very strong oxidants in theform of active chlorine (Cl₂), for example. In one embodiment, anolyte20 has a pH of about 2.0 to about 4.0, but can have a pH outside of thatrange in other embodiments, such as in a range of about 2.5 to 6. In oneembodiment, anolyte 20 has an oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) ofabout +600 mV to about +1200 mV, or can be in other ranges such as +100mV to +1200 mV, +400 mV to +900 mV, or +400 mV to +700 mV, for example.Other values of pH, oxidation-reduction potential and chlorineconcentration can be used in other embodiments. Intensity ofoxidation-reduction reactions depends on electron activity in aqueoussolutions, which is characterized by the oxidation-reduction potential(ORP) value. The higher the ORP value, the more “acid” the medium, andthe more it is capable of oxidating molecules. The lower ORP value, thehigher its reducing, anti-oxidant, ability. As a result ofelectrochemical exposure of water near the anode, itsoxidation-reduction potential increases, and it acquires oxidantcharacteristics.

Anolyte 20 can be used wherever there is a desire to disinfect orsterilize. Anolyte 20 can be used to kill bacteria since water havingthis range of oxidation-reduction potential changes the environment inwhich microbes, viruses, germs and other biological life forms canthrive and attracts electrons from the environment and microbes. As aresult, the environment and microbes are oxidized. Therefore, EA anolytewater can be used as a disinfectant and sanitizer during operation of asurface cleaner in one or more embodiments. However, care should betaken on surfaces having a potential for corrosion.

Anolyte 20 may also contain many meta-stable ionic and reactive freeradical molecules produced at the anode 30 during electrochemicalactivation of water. These molecules can include: O₃, O₂, H₂O₂, Cl₂,ClO₂, HClO, HCl, HClO₃, O₂, H₂O₂, O₃, H⁺, H₃O⁺, OH⁻, ClO⁻, HO⁻, H₂O⁻, O₂⁻, O⁻, ClO⁻, and Cl⁻ free radicals and other excited molecules.

Molecular chlorine can also react to form hypochlorous acid and otherions of OCl⁻ ions. These ions of OCl— can further oxidize and becomechloric acid ions (ClO₃ ⁻) and perchloric acid ion (HClO₄ ⁻). Chlorinedioxide may also be obtained by oxidation of sodium chloride andhydrochloric acid. Furthermore, many other pH-dependent reactions resultin a wide variety of very meta-stable and/or reactive chlorinecontaining molecules, ions and free radicals. In addition to thesanitizing properties, the chlorine ions in the mildly acidic anolytesolution 20 can react with metal oxides in scale deposits on the 25surface being cleaned, which assist in removing the scale deposits.

B. Catholyte

As a result of electrochemical exposure of water near the cathode, itsoxidation-reduction potential decreases, and it acquires anti-oxidantcharacteristics. Catholyte 22 is strongly basic, and the pH of thecatholyte solution ranges from about 8 to about 12, or from 9 to about12 in one or more embodiments. However, the catholyte can have pH valuesoutside of this range in other embodiments. In one embodiment, catholyte22 has an ORP of about −600 mV to about −1000 mV, or the ORP can be inother ranges such as −150 mV to −1000 mV, −150 mV to −700 mV, or −300 mVto −700 mV. Catholyte 22 can be used for flocculation of heavy metals,coagulation, washing, and extraction. In addition, catholyte 22 can beused to wash wounds (instead of using iodine) and wherever there is aneed to increase pH levels of water. Catholyte 22 may also includereactive hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), sodium and other hydroxides,meta-stable ions, and/or free radicals.

Water molecules cluster typically together at 12-14 molecules percluster around ions, for example. This is sometimes known as “SurfaceTension”. Normal tap water includes a network of icosahedral waterclusters. These large water conglomerates are too large to easilypenetrate different organic and inorganic materials and biologicalobjects, which can be a time-consuming and energy consuming process. Thedegradation of large water clusters into smaller clusters can make watermore active and more valuable for practical applications. When thefunctional generator electrochemically activates water, the covalenthydrogen bonds between hydrogen and oxygen is broken resulting in theclusters of H₂O being reduced to below 10 molecules per cluster, such asbetween 5 and 6 molecules per cluster. The resulting EA water thereforehas a distribution of water cluster sizes that has a greater number ofsmaller-sized clusters. The EA water is therefore much “wetter” has morewetting ability, more permeable, and more soluble. Because EA water iswetter has more wetting ability than typical water, it can hydrate sixto ten times (for example) faster than non-EA water and will act as atransport mechanism for lifling and separating debris from the surfacebeing cleaned more readily than non-EA water.

More specifically, EA water in the form of the basic catholytecomposition has the capacity to mimic anionic, cationic, nonionic andamphoteric surfactants. Catholyte 22 has a surfactant mimicking effectsince the catholyte 22 can have a high pH and is packed with a verylarge quantity of negative ions after electrochemical activation. In oneembodiment, catholyte 22 is highly alkaline with a pH of 9 or greater,for example in the range of about 10 to about 12, but can have other pHvalues outside of this range in other embodiments. Water moleculeclusters typically surround ions when in solution. Duringelectrochemical activation, electrons and ions furiously move aboutwithin water molecule clusters and bombard each other until the watermolecule cluster becomes very small. Consequently, these smaller watermolecule clusters are able to penetrate cracks and crevices between dirtand objects, and are able to lift dirt more effectively than ordinarynon-EA water.

Catholyte 22 is able to enhance dispersion in a manner similar to thatobserved when using commonly known surfactants. These effects areobserved since catholyte 22 contains negative ions that envelope anymolecules of objects and dirt. Enveloping or surrounding molecules ofobjects and dirt with negative charges creates a negative potential thatcauses molecules of objects and dirt to repel each other and remainseparate.

These properties also improve solvation and removal of grease, acidicsoils, and carbonaceous oils. This is because catholyte 22 surroundsgrease molecules with negative charges that can be lifted off separatelyafter being surrounded by negative ions. In addition, surrounding greasemolecules with negative charges helps to reduce the overall size ofgrease molecules, and therefore catholyte 22 causes grease molecules tobecome smaller.

Furthermore, surrounding grease molecules with negative chargeseffectively saponifies the grease molecules and helps emulsify orstabilize hydrophobic grease molecules in water. When a fatty or greaselike substance is surrounded by negative charges from catholyte 22,catholyte transforms grease into a synthetic liquid soap. As a result,oily or greasy stains become soluble and can be removed by catholyte 22without addition of surfactant/detergent chemistry as part of thecleaning liquid. However, a surfactant/detergent can be added to theliquid to be treated for use in cleaning before or after activation, ifdesired, in other embodiments.

Catholyte 22 therefore has strong cleaning capacity. Catholyte 22 can beused as a cleaning solution with a high level of cleaning power, is safeand does not pollute the environment. Catholyte 22 is safe to theenvironment since reduced water reduces matter and does not oxidizematter. Oxidization causes some materials to rust, degrade, age andbecome dirty. Catholyte 22 avoids rusting, degradation, premature agingand dirtying.

The EA water (catholyte and anolyte) produced from functional generator10 therefore has cleaning power and bacteria-killing power. As a result,a cleaning apparatus, such as a mobile or immobile hard and/or softfloor cleaner, can use EA water to clean floors and other off-floorsurfaces of industrial, commercial and residential buildings, forexample. The cleaner can use the EA water without the addition ofsurface-active ingredients, such as a surfactant or detergent to aid inthe cleaning of hard and/or soft surfaces.

Also, the EA water produced by functional generator 10 has a solvatingpower that is very effective in forcing oils into a solution that can beextracted from the surface. In contrast to detergents that tend to keepoils in suspension, EA water allows oils to recombine after extractionwhen the water loses its activated properties and neutralizes. When usedwith a cleaning apparatus that has a soiled-liquid recovery function,this characteristic of the EA water allows oils to be separated from theextracted, soiled water more efficiently. This may reduce the expensesassociated with disposing of the soiled wastewater recovered from thesurface or item being cleaned.

As described in more detail below, the anolyte and catholyte can beseparately applied to and extracted from the surface or item beingcleaned or can be applied together, either sequentially or as a mixture.The anolyte and catholyte can be applied through separate distributionsystems or can share the same distribution system. In one example, if aparticular one of the anolyte and catholyte is not used, it can berouted from the output of functional generator to a buffer or reservoirfor later use or can be routed to a waste or recovery tank. The termstank, buffer, and reservoir are interchangeable.

C. Blended Anolyte and Catholyte

It has been found that the anolyte and catholyte can be blended togetherwithin the distribution system of the cleaning apparatus and/or on thesurface or item being cleaned while still retaining beneficial cleaningand sanitizing properties. A blended EA water composition may also beformed by blending varying ratios of anolyte 20 and catholyte 22 witheach other. Upon blending, the blended EA water is in a non-equilibriumstate and may include anolyte species having a pH of about 2.5-6 and anORP of −150 mV to −700 mV, for example, and catholyte species having apH of about 8-12 and an ORP of about +400 mV to about +900 mV, forexample. It is believed that the small water clusters do not allow thereactive species in the anolyte and catholyte to recombine andneutralize instantaneously. Although the anolyte and catholyte areblended, they are initially not in equilibrium and therefore temporarilyretain their enhanced cleaning and sanitizing properties.

Also for a typical mobile surface cleaner or for an extractor type ofcleaner, the residence time of the liquid on the surface being cleanedbefore extraction is relatively short, such as between 2-3 seconds for atypical mobile surface cleaner. This allows the oxidation-reductionpotential and other beneficial cleaning/sanitizing properties of ablended EA water to be substantially retained during the residence timebefore these properties substantially neutralize in the recovery tank ofthe cleaner or following disposal.

6. Varying Production Concentrations and Volumes of Anolyte andCatholyte

The anolyte and catholyte can be generated or applied in differentratios to one another through modifications to the structure of thefunctional generator 10, the flow rates through the generator and or thedistribution system.

For example, the functional generator can be configured to produce agreater volume of catholyte than anolyte if the primary function of theEA water is cleaning. Alternatively, for example, the functionalgenerator can be configured to produce a greater volume of anolyte thancatholyte if the primary function of the EA water is sanitizing. Also,the concentrations of reactive species in each can be varied.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a functional generator 40according to an embodiment having a 3:2 ratio of cathode plates 41 toanode plates 42 for producing a greater volume of catholyte thananolyte. Each cathode plate 41 is separated from anode plate 42 by arespective ion exchange membrane 43. Thus, there are three cathodechambers for two anode chambers. This configuration produces roughly 60%catholyte through output 44 to 40% anolyte through output 45. In anotherembodiment, each cell includes three cathode chambers and one anodechamber, each being separated by a respective membrane, similar to theembodiment shown in FIG. 2. Other ratios can also be used.

With multiple anode and cathode chambers, the ratios can be furthermodified by electrically enabling and disabling selected electrodeplates. Enabling and disabling can be achieved with suitable switches inthe power supply lines to the electrodes, which can be controlledautomatically by a control circuit, manually by an operator or acombination of both. In the example shown in FIG. 2, a 1:1 ratio can beachieved by disabling one of the cathodes 41 and cutting flow to thatchamber. A 2:3 ratio of cathode plates to anode plates can be achievedin this example by simply reversing the polarity of the electricalpotential applied to plates 41 and 42. Thus, each plate 41 becomes ananode plate, while each plate 42 becomes a cathode plate. The polarityof the applied voltage can also be reversed periodically or at othertimes to self-clean the anode and cathode plates and therefore extendtheir life. Therefore, the terms “anode” and “cathode” and the terms“anolyte” and “catholyte” as used in the description and claims arerespectively interchangeable.

Alternatively or in addition, flow to selected chambers can bemechanically enabled, disabled or reduced through flow restrictiondevices 46, which can be positioned at the input end or output end offunctional generator 40. Flow restriction devices can include any devicethat is adapted to restrict flow, such as a valve or pump.

The concentration of reactive species, change in pH or reductionpotential in each chamber can be adjusted by adjusting the flow throughthat chamber. With a higher flow rate in a particular chamber, the feedwater has a shorter residence time in the chamber and thus less time togenerate reactive species or change pH or reduction potential.

Functional generator 40 can also have multiple cells in parallel withone another, which can be selectively enabled and disabled as desired.

In another embodiment one or more of the cathode plates can have adifferent surface area than a respective anode plate to alter theconcentration of active water produced in one chamber relative toanother.

In another embodiment of the disclosure, catholyte output 44 and anolyteoutput 45 are combined in the flow path at the output of functionalgenerator 40.

7. Sparging

As mentioned above, it has been found that sparging the liquid to betreated for use in cleaning downstream or upstream of the functionalgenerator can enhance the cleaning or sanitizing properties of theresulting liquid. Alternatively, for example, a sparging device can beused by itself, with no functional generator, in any apparatus, such asbut not limited to those disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the term“sparging” means to disperse a gas in a liquid or to disperse a liquidin a gas by any appropriate method as will be appreciated by those ofordinary skill in the art. The terms “sparged EA liquid” and “sparged EAwater” refers to EA liquid or EA water that has been sparged upstreamand/or downstream of the functional generator that electrochemicallyactivates the liquid or water FIG. 3 illustrates an apparatus having asparging device 50 located downstream of functional generator 10.Sparging device 50 sparges or infuses anolyte EA liquid 20 and catholyteEA liquid 22 with a gas to form sparged anolyte EA liquid 51 and spargedcatholyte EA liquid 52. A single, combined sparging device or separatedevices can be used to sparge each of the flow streams. Alternatively,for example, sparging device 50 is coupled to sparge only one or theother of the anolyte EA liquid 20 and the catholyte EA liquid 22. In afurther embodiment, for example, the flow streams 20 and 22 are combinedto a single stream before being sparged by device 50. Also, multiplesparging devices can be coupled together in series for in parallel withone another, for example.

In one embodiment, sparging device 50 disperses fine gas bubbles to theEA liquid to create a froth that is delivered to the surface or item tobe cleaned. Suitable gases include air, oxygen, nitrogen, ammonia,carbon dioxide and other gases. In the cases of air and oxygen, theresulting sparged EA liquid becomes highly oxygenated. The increase inoxygenation further facilitates an efficient wetting of the surface oritem being cleaned and can enhance chemical reactions that facilitatecleaning or sanitizing.

Sparging device 50 may include a variety of froth generation devices,including but not limited to devices that operate on a mechanical basis,devices that operate on an electrochemical basis, such as byelectrolysis, and devices that operate on a chemical basis, or acombinations thereof. Mechanical sparging devices can be adapted todisperse a gas in the liquid or disperse the liquid in a gas. Examplesinclude pressurized or non-pressurized gas delivery systems, pressurizedor non-pressurized liquid delivery systems, agitation systems, sprayers,and bubblers. In one embodiment, a pressurized gas is introduced intothe flow path of the liquid being treated for use in cleaning and thendispersed in the liquid by a suitable mixing member, such as a diffusionmedium that is capable of producing froth by shearing action, gasentrainment or a combination of both. In another embodiment, a Venturitube can be used to introduce a gas into the liquid flow path, forexample.

If sparging device 50 is placed upstream of functional generator 10,such as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the gas can also assist inthe electrochemical activation process to enhance the cleaning orsanitizing power of the resulting EA liquid. The sparged liquid 53 fromsparging device can be supplied to the anode chamber, the cathodechamber or both the anode and cathode chambers of functional generator10, while regular tap water (or other liquid) can be supplied to anychamber not receiving the sparged liquid.

If the sparged gas includes air or oxygen, the elevated oxygen levelsduring electrochemical activation can create super oxygenated EA water.The increased levels of oxygen increase efficiency of theelectrochemical activation process. Also, during the electrochemicalactivation process, the sparged water may have a distribution of watercluster sizes that has a greater number of smaller clusters having lowernumbers of water molecules per cluster. These smaller clusters mayincrease efficiency in transport and separation through the ion exchangemembrane of the functional generator. The super oxygenated EA waterbecomes electrochemically activated, resulting in an electrochemicallyactivated foam, froth, and/or reactive gas with enhanced cleaning orsanitizing power.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, sparging device 50 includes one ormore electrolysis cells that operate on an electrochemical basis toaccomplish sparging. The electrolysis cells can be positioned upstreamor downstream of the functional generator 10. In FIG. 5, an electrolysiscell 50 is upstream of functional generator 10. The electrolysis cellhas one or more anodes and one or more cathodes similar to thefunctional generators shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. However in one embodiment,the electrolysis cell has no ion exchange membrane.

In addition, sparging device 50 can be positioned along the flow pathfrom liquid source 14 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) or inside of the liquidsource 14, such as in a source tank carried by a mobile floor surfacecleaner.

Regular tap water typically contains 8 to 40 mg/L of oxygen. Oxygenlevels can be boosted by electrolysis. Electrolysis of the feed waterfrom the water source (or of the EA water from functional generator 10)can introduce oxygen gas and hydrogen peroxide into the water. Theoxygen and other gas bubbles not only further improve the wettingproperties of the water by reducing the surface tension of the water,these gas bubbles can also be reactive to further enhance the cleaningand/or sanitizing properties of the water. The oxygenated water 54produced by electrolysis may also contain hydrogen peroxide, which is astrong oxidizer and can further boost the sanitizing properties of thewater.

Sparging may result in the introduction of “micro-bubbles” or“nano-bubbles”. Micro-bubbles and nano-bubbles have a size that isgenerally too small to break the surface tension of the liquid. As aresult these bubbles remain suspended indefinitely in the liquid.Indefinite suspension of bubbles allows for increased concentration ofbubbles, and ultimately, super-saturation of water with the gas bubbles.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment similar to that of FIG.5, but further including a second electrolysis cell (or other device toaccomplish sparging) 50 downstream of functional generator 10 foradditional electrolysis and oxygen generation to produce a reactivefroth with superior cleaning or sanitizing capacity. In one embodiment,the super-oxygenated anolyte and catholyte outputs from functionalgenerator 10, represented by arrows 51 and 52, are passed through thesecond electrolysis cell 50, either separately through two separatechambers or mixed together. In another embodiment, one of the outputs,such as the super-oxygenated anolyte output, is passed through thesecond cell 50 while the other output, such as super-oxygenatedcatholyte output, bypasses the second cell 50, as shown by arrow 55. Byelectrochemically activating water prior to electrolysis by theadditional cell 50, less electrical resistance may be encountered duringthe electrolysis process used to sparge the liquid. In addition, moreeffective retention of the nano-bubbles in the final reactive froth maybe attained.

In a further embodiment, a tank can be filled from a previously-sealedcontainer of EA liquid or can be filled from a nearby stationary ormobile “filling station”, which carries a functional generator forelectrochemically activating a liquid and then loading the tank througha hose or other temporary attachment to the cleaner. After loading theEA water, the EA water is delivered to a sparging device before deliveryto the surface or item to be cleaned or sanitized.

In yet a further embodiment, a tank can be filled from apreviously-sealed container of sparged liquid or can be filled from anearby stationary or mobile “filling station”, which carries a spargingdevice for sparging a liquid and then loading the tank through a hose orother temporary attachment to the cleaner. After loading the spargedliquid, the liquid is delivered to a functional generator forelectrochemical activation before delivery to the surface or item to becleaned or sanitized. In one example, a sparged liquid is contained in acontainer having a suitable internal pressure to maintain the spargedstate of the liquid until delivery or use. The container can be emptiedinto a tank carried by the cleaning device and/or can be configured tobe connected directly into the flow path of the device, either upstreamor downstream of the functional generator.

8. Electrolysis Cell

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an electrolysis cell 50 that can be used asa sparging device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.Cell 50 includes a reaction chamber 56, an anode 57 and a cathode 58.Chamber 56 can be defined by the walls of cell 50, by the walls of acontainer or conduit in which electrodes 57 and 58 are placed, or by theelectrodes themselves, for example. Anode 57 and cathode 58 may be madefrom any suitable material or a combination of materials, such astitanium or titanium coated with a precious metal, such as platinum.Anode 57 and cathode 58 are connected to a conventional electrical powersupply (not shown). In one embodiment, electrolytic cell 50 includes itsown container that defines chamber 56 and is located in the flow path ofthe liquid to be treated in the cleaning apparatus. In anotherembodiment, electrolysis cell 50 includes anode 57 and cathode 58 but nocontainer. In these embodiments, the reaction chamber 56 may be definedby a container or conduit section in which the electrodes are placed.

In another example, the anode and cathode electrodes can be placedinside liquid tank 14, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

In a further example, the anode and cathode electrodes can be placedinside or along a section of conduit positioned along the liquid flowpath of the cleaning apparatus.

Electrolysis cell 50 and its electrodes can have any physical shape andconstruction. For example, the electrodes can be flat plates, coaxialplates, rods, or a combination thereof. Each electrode can have a solidconstruction or can have one or more apertures, such as a metallic mesh.

During operation liquid is supplied by a source 14, such as tank 14 inFIGS. 1 and 2 and/or functional generator 10, and is introduced intoelectrolysis chamber 56 of electrolysis cell 50. In the embodiment shownin FIG. 7, electrolysis cell 50 does not include an ion exchangemembrane that separates reaction products at anode 57 from reactionproducts at cathode 58. In the example in which tap water is used as theliquid to be treated for use in cleaning, after introducing the waterinto chamber 56 and applying a voltage potential between anode 57 andcathode 58, water molecules in contact with or near anode 57 areelectrochemically oxidized to oxygen (O₂) and hydrogen ions (H⁺) whilewater molecules in contact or near cathode 58 are electrochemicallyreduced to hydrogen gas (H₂) and hydroxyl ions (OH⁻). The reactionproducts from both electrodes are able to mix and form an oxygenatedfluid 59 having a neutral pH and an ORP in the range of about 500 mV toabout 800 mV since there is no physical barrier separating the reactionproducts from each other. Hydrogen gas 60 typically bubbles to thesurface of the fluid surrounding the cathode 58 and escapes into theatmosphere air while oxygen gas remains suspended in water for longerperiods of time since oxygen gas is much denser than hydrogen gas. As aresult, fluid 59 becomes supersaturated with oxygen and has a strongORP. If electrolysis cell 50 is placed upstream of the functionalgenerator, the super-oxygenated, strong ORP, and reduced cluster sizeproperties of the incoming fluid can greatly assist the electrochemicalactivation process within the functional generator.

Alternatively, for example, anode 57 can be separated from cathode 58 byusing a dielectric barrier such as a non-permeable membrane (not shown)disposed between the anode and cathode.

9. Sparging Enhances Blended Anolyte and Catholyte EA Water

It has also been found that sparging upstream and/or downstream of thefunctional generator can also enhance and help retain the cleaningand/or sanitizing properties of the water when anolyte EA water isblended with catholyte EA water.

A simple experiment was performed in which various types of EA waterwere placed in an open container and a drop of oil was placed on thewater surface to measure the oil dispersion properties of each EA watertype. Non-sparged anolyte EA water showed no oil dispersing properties.Non-sparged and sparged catholyte EA water showed 100% oil dispersingproperties, wherein the oil was dispersed over 100% of the watersurface. Non-sparged anolyte and catholyte EA water, when combined,showed 100% oil dispersion. Sparged anolyte EA water showed 50% oildispersing properties, wherein the oil was dispersed over 50% of thewater surface, as compared to 0% for the non-sparged anolyte EA water.The sparged anolyte and catholyte EA water, when combined, showed 100%oil dispersion.

The 50% increase in oil dispersion properties for the sparged anolytesuggests that the blended EA water has increased oil dispersioncapability, which should enhance the cleaning/sanitization propertiesand should lengthen the time before the blended EA water neutralizes dueto the increased activity in the water. Alternatively, for example, theliquid can be passed more quickly through the functional generator whileretaining substantially the same cleaning/sanitizing power.

10. Example Housing For Combined Sparging Device and FunctionalGenerator, which Blends the Outputs

FIGS. 8A and 8B together illustrate a housing formed by clamshell halves62A and 62B, which together form a generally water-tight housingcontaining control electronics 64, functional generator 10 and spargingdevice 50. Housing 62 provides a convenient, compact housing for bothfunctional generator 10 and sparging device 50 and their related controlelectronics 64. However, these devices can be mounted separately inother embodiments.

Control electronics 64 includes a printed circuit board containingelectronic devices for powering and controlling the operation offunctional generator 10 and sparging device 50. Housing half 62Aincludes an access port 65, which provides access to one or moreelectrical test points, and a cable 66, which provides wire connectionsfor powering control electronics 64 and devices 10 and 50 and forcontrolling further elements, such as one or more pumps or valves,outside of housing 62. Housing half 62A can further include a coverplate 67 for providing a heat sink for control electronics 64. Plate 67can further include a plurality of fins for providing additionalcooling, and can also be modified to support a cooling fan, if desired.In other embodiments, a cooling fan can be provided in, on or near anyother location of housing 62.

In one example, control circuit 64 includes a power supply having anoutput that is coupled in parallel with functional generator 10 andsparging device 50 and which limits the power delivered to the twodevices to 150 Watts, for example. Control circuit 64 also includes anH-bridge that is capable of selectively reversing the polarity of thevoltage applied to functional generator 10 and sparging device 50 as afunction of a control signal generated by the control circuit. Forexample, control circuit 64 can be configured to alternate polarity in apredetermined pattern, such as every 5 seconds. Frequent reversals ofpolarity can provide a self-cleaning function to the electrodes, whichcan reduce scaling or build-up of deposits on the electrode surfaces andcan extend the life of the electrodes.

In the example shown in FIG. 8B and similar to the example shown in FIG.4, sparging device 50 is coupled upstream of functional generator 10.The arrows in FIG. 8B illustrate the flow path of liquid from an inlet70 to an outlet 71. Sparging device 50 and functional generator 10 arecoupled together, between inlet 70 and outlet 71 by various sections oftubing 72.

FIG. 8B illustrates an example of functional generator 10, which isimplemented by modifying a commercially available cell, namely a JP102cell from Emco Tech Co., LTD. Functional generator cell 10 has a housingthat contains the electrode plates (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2) and hastwo inlets 73 and two outlets 74 and 75. One or both inlets 73 can becoupled to the sparging device 50. If one inlet is not used, that inletcan be capped closed. The output liquid produced by the anode andcathode chambers within generator 10 are supplied through separate portsto a chamber 76. A valve mechanism that is supplied with the JP102 cell(and selectively routes the anolyte and catholyte to separate,respective outlets 74 and 75) is removed from chamber 76, and chamber 76is sealed with a cover plate 77 such that chamber 76 forms a mixingchamber that receives an anolyte from the anode chamber and a catholytefrom the cathode chamber. The anolyte and catholyte mix together inchamber 76 to form a blended anolyte and catholyte EA water, which isdirected from chamber 76 through to outlet 74 to outlet 71. Outlet 75 iscapped closed. In another embodiment, the catholyte and anolyte outputscan be blended downstream of functional generator cell 10 or left asseparate streams through outlets 44 and 45, for example.

In the example shown in FIG. 8B, sparging device 50 has a tubular shape.FIG. 9A illustrates sparging device 50 in greater detail according toone illustrative example, wherein portions of device 50 are cut away forillustration purposes. In this example, sparging device 50 is anelectrolysis cell having a tubular outer electrode 80 and a tubularinner electrode 82, which are separated by a suitable gap, such as 0.020inches. Other gap sizes can also be used. In one example, outerelectrode 80 has a solid plate construction, inner electrode 82 has awire mesh construction, and the two electrodes are separated by atubular dielectric mesh 84. For example, outer electrode 80 can includea titanium plate spattered with platinum, and inner electrode 82 caninclude a mesh of #304 stainless steel having a 1/16-inch grid. Othermaterials, electrode shapes and dimensions. In this example, the meshconstruction of elements 82 and 84 enhances liquid flow within the gapbetween the two electrodes. This liquid flow is conductive and completesan electrical circuit between the two electrodes. Electrolysis cell 50can have any suitable dimensions. In one example, cell 50 can have alength of about 4 inches long and an outer diameter of about ¾ inch. Thelength and diameter can be selected to control the treatment time andthe quantity of nanobubbles or microbubbles generated per unit volume ofthe liquid. Alternatively, for example, both electrodes can be tubularmeshes, if the cell is housed in an outer lumen that contains theliquid. In a further example, the inner electrode includes a bare wirethat is coaxial with the outer electrode. Numerous variations can beutilized.

Cell 50 can be coupled at any suitable location along the liquid flowpath, such as by splicing the cell between two pieces of conduit suchthat the liquid flows through the cell, in the direction of the arrowsshown in FIG. 8B. Any method of attachment can be used, such as throughplastic quick-connect fittings 86.

FIG. 9B illustrates sparging device 50 according to another embodimentof the disclosure. In one example shown in FIG. 9B, sparging device 50includes a commercially available oxygenator 90, which is mounted withina container 91 having an inlet 92 and an outlet 93. For example,oxygenator 90 can include the OXYGENATOR Bait Keeper available from AquaInnovation, Inc. of Bloomington, Minn., which is described in moredetail in Senkiw U.S. Pat. No. 6,689,262. Oxygenator 90 has a pair ofexternally-exposed electrodes 94 formed by a planar, circular wire meshand a planar, circular plate that are parallel to one another andseparated by a small gap to form a reaction chamber. Container 91 can bepositioned at any suitable location along the liquid flow path.

11. Example of a Hard and/or Soft Floor Cleaning System

The various functional generators and sparging devices discussed abovecan be implemented in a variety of different types of cleaning orsanitizing systems. For example, they can be implemented on an onboard(or off-board) mobile (or immobile) surface cleaner, such as a mobilehard floor surface cleaner, a mobile soft floor surface cleaner or amobile surface cleaner that is adapted to clean both hard and softfloors or other surfaces, for example.

FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate a mobile hard floor surface cleaner 100 inaccordance with one or more exemplary embodiments of the presentdisclosure. FIG. 10A is a side elevation view of cleaner 100. FIG. 10Bis a perspective view of cleaner 100 having its lid in a closedposition, and FIG. 10C is a perspective view of cleaner 100 having itslid in an open position.

In one example, cleaner 100 is substantially similar to the Tennant T5Scrubber-Dryer as shown and described in the T5 Operator Manual Rev. 02,dated Sep. 9, 2006, and the T5 Parts Manual Rev. 02, dated Nov. 11,2006, for example, which has been modified to include a sparging deviceand a functional generator, such as but not limited to those shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B or any of the other embodiments shown or describedherein and/or combinations thereof.

In this example, cleaner 100 is a walk-behind cleaner used to clean hardfloor surfaces, such as concrete, tile, vinyl, terrazzo, etc.Alternatively, for example, cleaner 100 can be configured as a ride-on,attachable, or towed-behind cleaner for performing a scrubbing operationas described herein. In a further example, cleaner 100 can be adapted toclean soft floors, such as carpet, or both hard and soft floors infurther embodiments. Cleaner 100 may include electrical motors poweredthrough an on-board power source, such as batteries, or through anelectrical cord. Alternatively, for example, an internal combustionengine system could be used either alone, or in combination with, theelectric motors.

Cleaner 100 generally includes a base 102 and a lid 104, which isattached along one side of the base 102 by hinges (not shown) so thatlid 104 can be pivoted up to provide access to the interior of base 102.Base 102 includes a tank 106 for containing a liquid or a primarycleaning and/or sanitizing liquid component (such as regular tap water)to be treated and applied to the floor surface duringcleaning/sanitizing operations. Alternatively, for example, the liquidcan be treated onboard or offboard cleaner 100 prior to containment intank 106. Tank 106 can have any suitable shape within base 102, and canhave compartments that at least partially surround other componentscarried by base 102.

Base 102 carries a motorized scrub head 110, which includes one or morescrubbing members 112, shrouds 114, and a scrubbing member drive 116.Scrubbing member 112 may include one or more brushes, such as bristlebrushes, pad scrubbers, microfibers, or other hard (or soft) floorsurface scrubbing elements. Drive 116 includes one or more electricmotors to rotate the scrubbing member 112. Scrubbing members 112 mayinclude a disc-type scrub brush rotating about a generally vertical axisof rotation relative to the floor surface, as shown in FIGS. 10A-10C.Alternatively, for example, scrubbing members 112 may include one ormore cylindrical-type scrub brushes rotating about a generallyhorizontal axis of rotation relative to the hard floor surface. Drive116 may also oscillate scrubbing members 112. Scrub head 110 may beattached to cleaner 100 such that scrub head 110 can be moved between alowered cleaning position and a raised traveling position.Alternatively, for example, cleaner 100 can include no scrub head 110 orscrub brushes.

Base 102 further includes a machine frame 117, which supports sourcetank 106 on wheels 118 and castors 119. Wheels 118 are driven by a motorand transaxle assembly, shown at 120. The rear of the frame carries alinkage 121 to which a fluid recovery device 122 is attached. In theembodiment of FIGS. 10A-10C, the fluid recovery device 122 includes avacuum squeegee 124 that is in vacuum communication with an inletchamber in recovery tank 108 through a hose 126. The bottom of sourcetank 106 includes a drain 130, which is coupled to a drain hose 132 foremptying source tank 106. Similarly, the bottom of recovery tank 108includes a drain 133, which is coupled to a drain hose 134 for emptyingrecovery tank 108. Alternatively, for example, one or both of the sourcetank and recovery tank and related systems can be housed in or carriedby a separate apparatus.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the fluid recovery device includes anon-vacuumized mechanical device for lifting the soiled solution awayfrom the floor surface and conveying the soiled solution toward acollection tank or receptacle. The non-vacuumized mechanical device caninclude, for example, a plurality of wiping media such as pliablematerial elements, which are rotated into contact with the floor surfaceto engage and lift the soiled solution from the floor surface.

In a further embodiment, cleaner 100 is equipped without a scrub head,wherein the liquid is dispensed to floor 125 for cleaning or sanitizingwithout a scrubbing action. Subsequently, fluid recovery device 122recovers at least part of the dispensed liquid from the floor.

In another embodiment, cleaner 100 includes a wand sprayer and extractoror other attachment (not shown) that can be used to clean off-floorsurfaces.

Cleaner 100 can further include a battery compartment 140 in whichbatteries 142 reside. Batteries 142 provide power to drive motors 116,vacuum fan or pump 144, and other electrical components of cleaner 100.Vacuum fan 144 is mounted in the lid 104. A control unit 146 mounted onthe rear of the body of cleaner 100 includes steering control handles148 and operating controls and gages for cleaner 100.

Liquid tank 106 is filled with a liquid to be treated for cleaningand/or sanitizing use, such as regular tap water. In one embodiment, theliquid is free of any surfactant, detergent or other cleaning chemical.Cleaner 100 further includes an output fluid flow path 160, whichincludes a pump 164, a sparging device 161 and a functional generator162. Tank 106, sparging device 161, functional generator 162 and pump164 can be positioned anywhere on cleaner 100. In one embodiment,sparging device 161 and functional generator 162 are similar to thoseshown in FIGS. 8A and 8B and are mounted within a housing 150 that iscarried within base 102. Pump 164 is mounted beneath source tank 106 andpumps water from tank 106 along flow path 160, through sparging device161 and functional generator 162 to the vicinity of scrub head 110 anultimately to floor 125, wherein recovery device 122 recovers the soiledliquid and returns it to recovery tank 108. The arrows in FIG. 10Aillustrate the direction of liquid flow from tank 106, through flow path160, to floor 125 and then from recovery device 122 to recovery tank128. Alternatively, for example, a second sparging device 163 (shown inFIG. 11) can be positioned downstream of functional generator 162.Similarly, pump 164 can be positioned downstream or upstream of any ofthe components along flow path 160. Alternatively, for example, pump 164can be removed and the flow path 160 configured such that water passesalong flow path 160 by the operation of gravity. Any suitable type ormodel of pump can be used. For example, pump 164 can include a SHURfloSLV10-AB41 diaphragm pump (available from SHURflo, LLC of CypressCalifornia) having an open flow capacity of 1.0 gallons/minute (gpm). Inthis example, a pump having a small open flow capacity can be used sincethe flow path 160 in this example has little or no back pressure. Whenenabled, pump 164 can be controlled to pump at any suitable rate, suchas at any rate greater than zero gpm and up to 1.0 gpm. For example therate can be set to a predetermined rate or an adjustable rate within therange of 0.1 gpm to 1.0 gpm, or within the range of 0.15 gpm to 0.75gpm. Larger rates can be achieved with larger pumps, if desired.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the control unit 146 is configuredto operate pump 164, sparging device 161 and functional generator 162 inan “on demand” fashion. Pump 164 is in an “off” state and spargingdevice 161 and functional generator 162 are de-energized when cleaner100 is at rest and not moving relative to the floor being cleaned.Control unit 146 switches pump 164 to an “on” state and energizessparging device 161 and functional generator 162 when cleaner 100travels in a forward direction relative to the floor, as indicated byarrow 165. In the “on” state, pump 164 pumps water from tank 106 throughflow path 160 to the vicinity of scrub head 110. Thus, sparging device161 and functional generator 162 generate and deliver EA water “ondemand”.

As the water passes along flow path 160, sparging device 161 andfunctional generator 162 temporarily restructure the water by injectingnanobubbles into the water so that it becomes highly oxygenated and byelectrochemically activating the water and separating the activatedwater into a catholyte output stream and an anolyte output stream. Thefunctional generator changes the oxidation reduction potential (ORP) ofthe catholyte and anolyte output streams. As discussed above, normal tapwater is made of large conglomerates of unstructured water molecules,which are too large to move efficiently without a surfactant to breakthe water's surface tension. The catholyte output stream becomes highlyalkaline with a pH of about 11, for example, and is structured withsmaller clusters of water molecules, which penetrate at a much fasterrate when used for cleaning purposes. The alkaline water is abundantwith electrons and is called reducing water. It has the capacity topenetrate dirt molecules and clean surfaces, mimicking asurfactant-based cleaning solution. The anolyte output stream becomeshighly acidic, with a pH of about 3, for example. The resulting acidicwater lacks electrons and is called oxidizing water. As such, the acidicwater has the capacity to reduce bacteria and other harmful organisms bydepriving them of electrons.

In one embodiment, the catholyte and anolyte output streams arerecombined at the output of functional generator 162, is discussed withrespect to FIGS. 8A and 8B, and flow path 160 then dispenses theresulting blended catholyte and anolyte EA water to scrub head 110 ordirectly to the floor being cleaned.

Alternatively, for example, one or more tanks 106 can be filled withsparged water, non-sparged EA water (catholyte and/or anolyte), orsparged EA water, which is then dispensed by cleaner 100. For example,tank 106 can be filled from a previously-sealed container of EA water orcan be filled from a nearby stationary or mobile “filling station”,which carries a functional generator for electrochemically activatingwater and then loading the tank 106 through a hose or other temporaryattachment to cleaner 100. An additive, if needed, can be added to thepre-electrochemically activated water to maintain the electrochemicallyactivated state. In the case in which tank 106 is filled with spargednon-EA water, cleaner 100 can include a functional generator toelectrochemically activate the water prior to dispensing the water. Inthe case in which tank 106 is filled with non-sparged EA water, cleaner100 can dispense the non-sparged EA water without further treatment orcan include a sparging device to sparge the water prior to dispensingthe water. If tank 106 is filled with sparged EA water, cleaner 100 candispense the liquid with or without further treatment by an onboardfunctional generator and/or an onboard sparging device. Alternatively,for example, an additional sparging device can be implemented onboardthe cleaner to sparge the EA water prior to distribution.

As described in more detail below, flow path 160 can include a single,combined output flow path for the blended catholyte and anolyte EA waterproduced at the output of functional generator 162 or can includeseparate paths that can combine somewhere along flow path 160 or at thedispenser or remain separate along the entire length of flow path 160.The separate flow streams can have a common fluid dispenser near scrubhead 110 or can be routed to separate liquid dispensers. Pump 164 canrepresent a single pump or multiple pumps for multiple flow paths.

In an embodiment in which cleaner 100 is configured to selectivelydispense one or both the anolyte or catholyte EA water outputs, cleaner100 can also include one or more waste water flow paths from functionalgenerator 162 for routing unused catholyte or anolyte EA water fromhousing 150 to recovery tank 108 or a separate waste water tank. A flowpath can also be provided for routing unused catholyte or anolyte to abuffer or reservoir (not shown in FIGS. 10A-10C) for later use bycleaner 100. For example if cleaner 100 is operated in a cleaning onlymode, the anolyte EA water produced by functional generator 162 is notneeded and can be routed to recovery tank 108 or to a buffer or separatestorage tank for later use, such as in a disinfecting operating mode.

If cleaner 100 is operated in a disinfecting only mode, the catholyte EAwater produced by functional generator is not needed and can be routedto recovery tank 108 or to a buffer or separate storage tank for lateruse, such as in a cleaning operating mode. In a cleaning anddisinfecting operating mode, both the catholyte EA water and the anolyteEA water are routed along flow path 160 to be applied to the flooreither simultaneously or sequentially. The catholyte EA water can beapplied to the floor surface to clean the floor surface and then removedprior to application of the anolyte EA water to the same floor surfacefor disinfecting purposes. The catholyte and anolyte EA water can alsobe applied in a reverse order. Alternatively, for example, cleaner 100can be configured to apply intermittently catholyte EA water for a shortperiod of time followed by application of anolyte EA water, or viceversa. The various operating modes that control whether catholyte and/oranolyte EA water are applied and at what times, concentrations, flowrates and proportions (such as those described with reference to FIG. 2)can be controlled by the operator through control unit 146.

In a further embodiment, cleaner 100 can be modified to include twoseparate cleaning heads, one for dispensing and recovering anolyte EAwater and one for dispensing and recovering catholyte EA water. Forexample, each head would include its own liquid dispenser, scrub headand squeegee. One can follow the other along the travel path of thecleaner. For example, the leading head can be used for cleaning, whilethe trailing head can be used for sanitizing.

However in the example shown in FIG. 8, the two output streams arecombined at the output of functional generator 162 with no separatecontrol of each output stream.

It has been found that when the two liquids streams containing theanolyte EA water and the catholyte EA water are applied to the surfacebeing cleaned at the same time, either through a combined output streamor separate output streams, the two liquids, although blended orcombined on the surface, retain their individual enhanced cleaning andsanitizing properties during a typical resident time on the surface. Forexample, as cleaner 100 advances at a typical rate across the surfacebeing cleaned, the residence time on the surface between distribution tothe surface and then recovery by vacuum squeegee 124 is relativelyshort, such as about three seconds. In one example, the catholyte EAwater and the anolyte EA water maintain their distinct electrochemicallyactivated properties for at least 30 seconds, for example, even thoughthe two liquids are blended together. During this time, the distinctelectrochemically activated properties of the two types of liquids donot neutralize until after the liquid has been recovered from thesurface. This allows the advantageous properties of each liquid to beutilized during a common cleaning operation.

After recovery, the nanobubbles begin to diminish and the alkaline andacidic liquids begin to neutralize. Once neutralized, theelectrochemical properties, including the pH, of the recovered, blendedliquid reverts to those of regular tap water.

Sparging device 161 and functional generator 162 can be powered bybatteries 142 or by one or more separate power supplies that are poweredby or independent of batteries 142 and adapted to provide the electrodeswith the desired voltage and current levels in a desired waveform. Inone example, sparging device 161 and functional generator 162 areelectrically coupled in parallel with one another and powered bybatteries 142 through a control circuit such as that shown in FIG. 8A,which intermittently reverses the polarity applied to the devices.

The liquid distribution path of cleaner 100 can also include, ifdesired, one or more filters for removing selected components orchemicals from the feed water or the produced EA water to reduce residueleft on the surface being cleaned. The path can also include anultraviolet (TV) radiation generator for UV-treating the liquid toreduce viruses and bacteria in the liquid.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the liquid distribution flowpath 160 of cleaner 100 in greater detail according to an embodiment ofthe disclosure. For simplicity, the wastewater flow path to recoverytank 108 and other components of cleaner 100 are not illustrated in FIG.11. The elements in flow path 160 can be rearranged upstream ordownstream relative to one another in other embodiments. Also, theparticular elements along flow path 160 may vary greatly from oneembodiment to the next, depending upon the particular application andplatform being implemented. Some elements may be removed, while otherscan be added. For example, in one embodiment, sparging device 161 may beeliminated, while in another embodiment, functional generator 162 may beeliminated. The elements shown in dashed lines are not present in theexample shown in FIGS. 10A-10C, but may be included in otherembodiments. The embodiment shown in FIG. 11 is merely exemplary.

The liquid or feed water in tank 106 is coupled to the input offunctional generator 162 through conduit sections 170, 171, pump 164 andsparging device 161. Pump 164 can include any suitable type of pump,such as a diaphragm pump. Other types of pumps can also be used.

As discussed above, an additive or boosting compound, such as anelectrolyte (e.g., sodium chloride) or other compound, can be added tothe feed water at any desired concentration and at any desired locationalong the flow path upstream of functional generator 162. For example,the additive can be added to the water within tank 106 in a furtherexample, an additive flow-through device 173 can be coupled in-line withthe flow path, such as downstream (or upstream) of pump 164 forinserting the additive into the feed water. However, such an additive isnot required for many cleaning applications and types of liquid, such asregular tap water. In some applications an additive can be used tofurther boost the respective pH values of the anolyte and catholyteoutputs of the functional generator even further away from a neutral pH,if desired.

Sparging device 161 can be located anywhere along the flow path betweenliquid source 106 and functional generator 162, or anywhere downstreamof functional generator 162. In one embodiment, sparging device includesan electrolysis cell, such as that shown in FIGS. 9A or 9B for spargingthe liquid by electrolysis. However, other types of sparging devices canalso be used, such as those discussed above.

In applications in which an additional detergent is desired, cleaner 100can be modified to further include a source 180 of a cleaning agent,which is supplied to the input of functional generator through conduitsections 181, 182 and pump 183 (all shown in dashed lines).Alternatively, for example, pump 183 can supply the cleaning agent toone or more of the flow paths 160 downstream of functional generator 162or to the flow path upstream of pump 164, for example. Mixing member 184mixes the supplied cleaning agent with the feed water from liquid source106.

The flow of cleaning agent is generated substantially independently ofthe volume of cleaning agent in supply 180. A check valve (not shown)can be installed in line with conduit section 170 to prevent the backflow of cleaning agent and primary cleaning liquid component to tank 106when fluid mixing member 184 is upstream of pump 164. Pump 183 caninclude any suitable pump, such as a solenoid pump. An example of asuitable solenoid pump is pump number ET200BRHP sold through FarmingtonEngineering of Madison, Conn. and manufactured by CEME. Another suitablepump is the SV 653 metering pump manufactured by Valcor Scientific.Other types of pumps can also be used for pump.

A controller 186 (shown in dashed lines) controls the operations of pump183 through a control signal 187. One suitable controller is part numberQRS2211C (either 24V of 36V) sold by Infitec Inc. or Syracuse, N.Y. Inaccordance with one embodiment, signal 187 is a pulsed signal thatprovides power relative to ground (not shown) and controls the durationover which the pump drives the cleaning agent through conduit 182. Forexample, control signal 187 can turn pump 183 on for 0.1 seconds and offfor 2.75 seconds to produce a low volume output flow of concentratedcleaning agent. Other on/off times can also be used. In addition, pumps164 and 183 can be eliminated and the liquid and cleaning agent can befed by another mechanism, such as gravity. In the example shown in FIGS.10A-10C, cleaner 100 does not include elements 180, 183, 184 and 186since no additional cleaning agent is used.

Functional generator 162 has a catholyte EA water output 190 and ananolyte EA water output 192, which are combined into a common flow path160 (shown in solid lines) and fed to a fluid dispenser 194. In anotherembodiment of the disclosure, flow path 160 includes a separate flowpath 160A and 160B (shown in dashed lines) for each output 190 and 192.The relative flows through the individual or combined flow paths can becontrolled through one or more valves or other flow control devices 195placed along the paths.

Buffers or reservoirs 196 can be placed along paths 160, 160A and/or160B to collect any catholyte or anolyte produced by functionalgenerator 162 but not immediately delivered to fluid dispenser 194. Forexample, reservoirs 196 can include a burp valve, which allows thereservoir to fill, then once filled, empty into the respective flow pathfor use. Other types of reservoirs and valve or baffle systems can alsobe used. The two reservoirs 196 can be controlled to open or emptyalternately, simultaneously, or on any other interval or control signal.If one of the catholyte or anolyte is not being used for a particularcleaning or sanitizing operation, the excess unused liquid can besupplied to recovery tank 108, through valves 195. Alternatively, forexample, the liquid can be supplied to a separate storage tank for lateruse. A separate storage tank can also be used, for example, inembodiments in which the output flow rate of the dispenser exceeds therate at which one or more of the elements in the flow path can treat theliquid to be dispensed effectively.

In accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure, one or moreflow restriction members 198 can be placed in line with flow paths 160,160A and/or 160B to regulate the flow of liquid if desired or needed fora particular configuration. For example, a pressure drop across flowrestriction members 198 can restrict the flow of fluid to provide thedesired volume flow rate. For example, a flow restriction member 198 caninclude a metering orifice or orifice plate that provides a desiredoutput flow, such as of 0.2 GPM, for example, when the pressure ofoutlet of pump 164 is at approx. 40 psi. Other flow rates greater thanor less than 0.2 GPM can also be used.

If a supply of cleaning agent is used, the volume flow rate of cleaningagent can be limited by pump 183 to approximately 10 cubic centimetersor less per minute, for example. Examples of elements and methods forcontrolling the volume flow rates of the liquid and the cleaning agentare described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 7,051,399. However, theseelements and methods are not required in one or more embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

In addition to or in replace of sparging device 161, cleaner 100 canfurther include one or more sparging devices 163 along combined flowpath 160 or along one or both the separate flow paths 160A and 160B,downstream of functional generator 162. Sparging devices 163 can belocated anywhere along flow paths 160, 160A and 160B between functionalgenerator 162 and fluid dispenser 194. In one embodiment, spargingdevices 163 include an electrolysis cell, such as that shown in FIGS. 9Aor 9B for sparging the liquid by electrolysis. However, other types ofsparging devices can also be used.

Flow paths 160, 160A and/or 160B can further include pressure reliefvalves 202 and check valves 204, which can be located at any suitableposition along any flow path in cleaner 100. Check valves 204 can helpto limit leakage of liquid when cleaner 100 is not in use.

Fluid dispenser 194 can include any suitable distribution elements forthe particular application in which cleaner 100 is used. For example inone embodiment, fluid dispenser 194 directs the liquid to the hard floorsurface or to another component of cleaner 100, such as a scrub head. Inthe case in which the scrub head has multiple brushes, fluid dispenser194 can include a T-coupling, for example, can be used to route separateoutput streams to each brush, if desired. The liquid can be dispensed inany suitable manner, such as by spraying or dripping.

In embodiments in which the anolyte and catholyte are applied separatelyfrom one another, fluid dispenser 194 can have separate outputs, one foreach type of liquid. Alternatively, for example, fluid dispenser canhave a single output, where the flow from each flow path is controlledby a valve, switch or baffle, for example. In a further embodiment,fluid dispenser 194 includes a flow control device that selectivelypasses the anolyte only, the catholyte only or a mixture of the anolyteand catholyte. The terms fluid dispenser and liquid dispenser caninclude, for example, a single dispensing element or multiple dispensingelements whether or not those elements are connected together.

It has also been found that the fine gas bubbles, such as nanobubbles,produced by any one of the sparging devices 161 and 163 can furtherdelay neutralization of the anolyte EA water and the catholyte EA waterwhen the two liquids are applied to the surface being cleaned at thesame time and blended together. This benefit can exist whether theliquid is distributed in separate flow paths or a combined flow path andwhether the sparging device is upstream of functional generator 162,downstream of functional generator 162, in one or both of the downstreamflow paths 160A and 160B, a combined flow path 160, or any combinationof these locations.

It has been found that when the two liquids streams containing theanolyte EA water and the catholyte EA water are applied to the surfacebeing cleaned at the same time, either through a combined output streamor separate output streams, the two liquids, although blended on thesurface, retain their individual enhanced cleaning and sanitizingproperties during a typical resident time on the surface. For example,when cleaner 100 advances at a typical rate across the surface beingcleaned, the residence time on the surface between distribution to thesurface and then recovery by vacuum squeegee 124 (shown in FIG. 10A) isrelatively short, such as about 2-3 seconds. During this time, thedistinct electrochemical activation properties of the two types ofliquid do not neutralize until after the liquid has been recovered fromthe surface. This allows the advantageous properties of each liquid tobe utilized during a common cleaning operation.

After recovery, the nanobubbles begin to diminish and the alkaline andacidic liquids begin to neutralize. Once neutralized, theelectrochemical properties, including the pH, of the recovered, blendedliquid reverts to those of regular tap water. This allows theoxidation-reduction potential and other beneficial cleaning/sanitizingproperties of a blended EA water to be substantially retained during theresidence time before these properties substantially neutralize in therecovery tank of the cleaner or following disposal.

Also, it has been found that the oxidation-reduction potential and otherelectrochemically activated properties of the blended EA water (or otherEA liquid) neutralize relatively quickly in the recovery tank afterrecovery. This allows the recovered liquid to be disposed of almostimmediately after a cleaning operation has been completed without havingto wait or store the recovered liquid in a temporary disposal tank untilthe liquid neutralizes.

Cleaner 100 is simply one example of a surface cleaner with which one ormore embodiments can be used. Other types of cleaners having a varietyof other configurations and elements can be used in alternativeembodiments of the present disclosure, such as those discussed below.

In a further embodiment, the liquid can be converted into an anolyte EAliquid and a catholyte EA liquid off-board cleaner 100. In thisembodiment, cleaner 100 can be modified to include an anolyte sourcetank and a catholyte source tank for receiving the anolyte EA liquid andcatholyte EA liquid generated by an off-board functional generator.Functional generator 162 can therefore be eliminated on cleaner 100. Theoutputs from the anolyte liquid tank and the catholyte liquid tank canbe combined or maintained as separate output flows as described above.Cleaner 100 can include one or more sparging devices such as those shownin FIG. 11, if desired, to sparge the combined or separate output flows.

12. Quick Neutralization of Anolyte and Catholyte Outputs

A further aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method inwhich a liquid, such as water, having a relatively neutral pH betweenpH6 and pH8, such as pH7, and a relatively neutral ORP between ±50 mV,such as 0 mV, is passed through a functional generator to produce ananolyte EA output and a catholyte EA output. The anolyte and catholyteEA outputs have pHs outside of the range between pH6 and pH8 and haveORPs outside the range of ±50 mV. For example, the anolyte EA output hasa pH of about 2.5 to 6 and an ORP in a range of +100 mV to +1200 mV,+400 mV to +900 mV, or +400 mV to +700 mV. The catholyte EA output has apH of about 8-12 and an ORP in a range of about −150 mV to −1000 mV,−150 mV to −700 mV, or −300 mV to −700 mV, for example.

The anolyte and catholyte EA outputs are applied to a surface for aresidence time and then recovered from the surface and placed in arecovery tank. In one embodiment, the anolyte and catholyte EA outputsare applied to the surface within 5 seconds of the time at which theliquids are produced by the functional generator, and can be applied tothe surface in a smaller time range, such as within 3 seconds ofproduction. In one embodiment, the residence time on the surface isgreater than zero seconds and less than 5 seconds, such as between 1-5seconds, or between 2-3 seconds.

The anolyte and catholyte EA outputs can be blended prior to applicationto the surface, blended on the surface or blended in the recovery tank.For example, the anolyte and catholyte EA outputs can be applied to thesurface simultaneously as a single, blended liquid or as separateliquids or can be applied and recovered sequentially, either overlappingor non-overlapping on the surface.

Once recovered, the blended anolyte and catholyte EA outputs within therecovery tank quickly neutralize substantially to the original pH andORP of the source liquid (e.g., those of normal tap water). In oneexample, the blended anolyte and catholyte EA outputs within therecovery tank quickly neutralize substantially to a pH between pH6 andpH8 and an ORP between ±50 mV within a time window of less than 1 minute(such as within 30 seconds) from the time the anolyte and catholyte EAoutputs are produced by the functional generator.

Thereafter, the recovered liquid can be disposed in any suitable manner.Similarly, in embodiments in which the liquid is not recovered from thesurface being cleaned, the blended anolyte and catholyte EA outputsquickly neutralize on the surface substantially to the original pH andORP of the source liquid. This method can be performed with cleaner 100or any other apparatus, such as but not limited to those disclosedherein.

13. Example of a Combined Hard and Soft Floor Cleaner

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a floor cleaner 300 that is configurablewith multiple types of cleaning tools and extractors to accommodatedifferent cleaning operations while using the same overall cleaner.

Cleaner 300 can be configured in a soil transfer cleaning mode forperforming a soil transfer cleaning operation on a soft floor surface, adeep extraction mode for performing a deep extraction cleaningoperation, and a hard floor scrubbing mode for scrubbing a hard floorsurface. In each of these modes, cleaner 300 removes liquid waste anddebris with a fluid recovery system. However, all such components arenot required in all embodiments of FIG. 12. The particular selection ofcomponents is provided as an example only.

Cleaner 300 can be configured for use by an operator that walks behindor rides on cleaner 300 or can be configured as a tow-behind cleaner,attached on to another device, be held by hand, or carried on a person,etc. Cleaner 300 may be powered through an on-board power source, suchas batteries or an internal combustion engine, or powered though anelectrical cord.

Floor cleaner 300 generally includes a mobile body 306, a motorizedcleaning head 308, a liquid dispenser 310, one or more vacuums 312, atleast one vacuum extractor tool 314, a vacuum squeegee 316 and a wasterecovery tank 317.

The mobile body 306 is supported on drive wheels 318 and castor wheels320 for travel over surface 302. In one embodiment, the drive wheels aredriven by a motor 322.

Cleaner 300 has a liquid distribution path similar to one or more of theembodiments discussed with respect to FIGS. 8 and 9. Liquid dispenser310 receives liquid, such as anolyte EA water, catholyte EA water,anolyte and catholyte EA water or blended anolyte and catholyte EAwater, depending on the configuration, from a functional generator 324and one or more sparging devices 325 and 326, as described above withrespect to FIG. 9, for example. Alternatively, for example, cleaner 300can include functional generator 324 without a sparging device or caninclude a sparging device without a functional generator. Dispenser 310dispenses the liquid directly to floor 302 or to a component of cleaninghead 308 through one or more nozzles or openings.

Cleaning head 308 includes a cleaning tool 328 and one or more motors330 for driving rotation of the cleaning tool 328 about an axis that iseither parallel or perpendicular to the surface 302, for example. Therotating cleaning tool 328 engages the surface 302 to perform a hard orsoft floor cleaning operation, as indicated by arrow 331. Cleaning tool328 may include one or more brushes, such as bristle brushes, padscrubbers, microfibers, or other hard or soft floor surface scrubbingelements.

In accordance with one example, cleaner 300 includes a cleaning headlift, which lowers the cleaning head 308 for floor cleaning operationsand raises the cleaning head 308 when not in use, such as duringtransport of the cleaner 300.

One embodiment of the cleaning head 308 is configured for use withmultiple types of cleaning tools 328 in order to accommodate differentcleaning operations while using the same motors 330, for example. Thus,the cleaning head 308 can be equipped with a soft floor cleaning tool328 or a hard floor cleaning tool 328. Alternatively, for example, thecleaner 300 is configurable with separate soft and hard floor cleaningheads 308.

In a further embodiment, cleaner 300 can include a cleaning wand (notshown) in addition to or in place of cleaning head 308. The cleaningwand can include a first hose coupled to dispenser 310 for dispensingthe EA water and a second hose coupled to the vacuum 312 for extractingsoiled EA water from surface 302.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, one or more vacuums 312 are used incombination with at least one vacuum extractor tool 314 to remove liquidand solid waste (i.e., soiled cleaning liquid) from cleaning tool 328and/or surface 302. One vacuum 312 also operates with squeegee 316 toremove waste from surface 102. The waste is then deposited in one ormore waste recovery tanks 317 or another location. In one embodiment, asingle vacuum 312 is selectively coupled to squeegee 316 and extractortool 314 using a vacuum path selector 332. In another embodiment,cleaner 300 includes separate vacuums 312 for vacuum squeegee 316 andextractor tool 314. One or more lifts may be provided to lift and lowereach tool 314 and 316 out of and into operation.

In one embodiment, extractor tool 314 is used for removing liquid andsolid debris from soft surfaces, whereas squeegee 316 is used forremoving liquid and solid debris from hard surfaces. Other types ofliquid and debris recovery tools and methods can also be used for use onhard surfaces, soft floor surfaces or both.

FIG. 13 is a diagram, which shows cleaning tool 328 in greater detail.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, cleaning tool 328 includes one ormore soil transfer rolls 340 for cleaning soft floors, and extractortool 314 includes a roll extractor tool 342. The rolls are rotated byoperation of one or more motors 330 (FIG. 12) and wipe the surface 302,which transfers soil from the surface onto soil transfer rolls 340. Therotation of rolls 340 in the directions indicated by the arrows resultsin portions of the soil transfer rolls being wetted with the cleaningliquid, extracted by roll extractors 340, and wiped against surface 302.For example as the rolls 340 are revolved, they engage the soft floor(e.g., carpet fibers) 302 and cause soil to be transferred from thecarpet fibers to the rolls 340. Rolls 340 are further rotated andsprayed again with cleaning liquid by a nozzle 346. Subsequently, thesurfaces of rolls 340 are vacuum extracted to remove the soiled cleaningliquid from the rolls, which is conveyed into recovery tank 317. Anotherembodiment of extractor tool 314 is in the form of a surface extractortool 348 that is configured to remove liquid and solid waste fromsurface 302.

FIG. 14 illustrates cleaning tool 328 in a deep extraction cleaning modeof operation, in which the cleaner 300 functions similarly to knowncarpet extractors, except that the cleaning liquid includes EA waterand/or sparged water as discussed above. If necessary, soil transferrolls 340 are replaced with the extractor brushes 350, the cleaning head308 and the surface extractor 344 are moved to their operatingpositions, and the vacuum squeegee 316 is moved to the raised position.The liquid dispenser 310 discharges cleaning liquid to surface 302through nozzle(s) 352 or uses nozzle(s) 354 to direct liquid onto boththe surface 302 and the leading extractor brush 350. Extractor brushes350 are driven via the motor(s) 330 to engage the floor surface 302. Asthe cleaner 300 progresses across the floor surface 302, surfaceextractor 344 engages the wetted portion of the surface to remove thesoiled liquid from the surface. Also, roll extractor tools 342 removesoiled liquid and debris from brushes 350.

FIG. 15 illustrates cleaning tool 328 in a hard floor scrubbing mode ofoperation. Initially, a hard floor scrub brush 360 is installed in areconfigurable cleaning head 308, or a separate hard floor cleaning head308 having the scrub brush 360 is attached to the mobile body 306 (FIG.12). Also, the cleaning head 308 and the vacuum squeegee 316 are movedto their operating positions and the surface extractor tool 344 is movedto the raised position. Next the liquid dispenser 310 wets surface 302with liquid by discharging the liquid through nozzle 352 and/or wets thesurface 302 and scrub brush 360 by discharging liquid 230 through tubing362 that is internal or external to scrub brush 360. Motor 330 rotatesscrub brush 360 as it engages the wetted surface 302. As the cleaner 300moves in the forward direction, the soiled liquid is collected bysqueegee 316 and directed toward waste recovery tank 317.

In a further embodiment, cleaner 300 is constructed similar to acommercially-available multi-mode cleaner from Tennant Company ofMinneapolis, Minn. under the trademark READY SPACE®, but is modified toeliminate the traditional detergent supply system and replace it with asparging device and/or a functional generator similar to one or more ofthe embodiments described herein. One embodiment of the READYSPACE®cleaner is described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,735,812,for example, which is incorporated herein by reference.

14. Example of a Carpet Extractor System

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a carpet extractor machine 370, whichhas a vacuum pick-up head 371 used to extract at least a part of soiledliquid from carpet and other soft floors. Extractor 370 further includesa pair of wheels 372 and a control handle 373. During operation, anoperator pulls extractor 370 rearwards in the direction of arrow 373 asthe extractor dispenses a liquid to the floor being cleaned and/or oneor more motorized cleaning tools 375. Cleaning tools 375 can include anyknown soft floor cleaning tool, such as brushs, rollers, bristles, etc.Additional details of extractor 370 are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.7,059,013 and 4,956,891, which are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety. Any of the vacuum pick-up heads disclosed therein, forexample, can be used in extractor 370. In an exemplary embodiment,extractor 370 can exclude cleaning tool 375 and just dispense the liquidto the floor then extract the soiled liquid from the floor.

Extractor 370 is modified to include a liquid distribution system with asparging device and/or a functional generator, such as but not limitedto that disclosed in FIG. 11 or any of the other embodiments disclosedherein. Extractor 370 can be constructed to deliver and then extract oneor more of the following liquids, for example, to and from the floorbeing cleaned: anolyte EA water, catholyte EA water, sparged anolyte EAwater, sparged catholyte EA water, blended anolyte and catholyte EAwater and blended sparged anolyte and catholyte EA water, and spargedwater. Liquid other than or in addition to water can also be used.

15. Example of an All Surface (e.g., Bathroom) Cleaner

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an all surface cleaning assembly 380,which is described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,425,958, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The cleaning assembly380 is modified to include a liquid distribution path with one or moresparging devices and/or one or more functional generators such as butnot limited to those shown in FIG. 11, for example, or any of the otherembodiments disclosed herein.

Cleaning assembly 380 can be constructed to deliver and optionallyrecover one or more of the following liquids, for example, to and fromthe floor being cleaned: anolyte EA water, catholyte EA water, spargedanolyte EA water, sparged catholyte EA water, blended anolyte andcatholyte EA water and blended sparged anolyte and catholyte EA water,and sparged water. Liquid other than or in addition to water can also beused.

Cleaning assembly 380 can be used to clean hard surfaces in restrooms orany other room having at least one hard surface, for example. Cleaningassembly 380 includes the cleaning device and the accessories used withthe cleaning device for cleaning the surfaces, as described in U.S. Pat.No. 6,425,958. Cleaning assembly 380 includes a housing 381, a handle382, wheels 383, a drain hose 384 and various accessories. Theaccessories can include a floor brush 385 having a telescoping andextending handle 386, a first piece 387A and a second piece 387B of atwo piece double bend wand, and various additional accessories not shownin FIG. 17, including a vacuum hose, a blower hose, a sprayer hose, ablower hose nozzle, a spray gun, a squeegee floor tool attachment, agulper tool, and a tank fill hose (which can be coupled to ports onassembly 380). The assembly has a housing that carries a tank orremovable liquid container and a recovery tank or removable recoveryliquid container. The cleaning assembly 380 is used to clean surfaces byspraying the cleaning liquid through a sprayer hose and onto thesurfaces. The blower hose is then used to blow dry the surfaces and toblow the fluid on the surfaces in a predetermined direction. The vacuumhose is used to suction the fluid off of the surfaces and into therecovery tank within cleaning device 380, thereby cleaning the surfaces.The vacuum hose, blower hose, sprayer hose and other accessories usedwith cleaning assembly 380 can be carried with the cleaning device 380for easy transportation.

In some embodiments, the output flow may be very high, such as with asprayer. If the output flow rate of a particular tool or apparatusexceeds the rate at which the functional generator or sparging device iscapable of effectively treating the liquid to be sprayed, the apparatuscan be configured to include one or more output reservoirs forcontaining the produced anolyte and catholyte (either separately orcombined) until needed. Once primed with output liquid, the outputreservoirs can provide a buffer that can supply a higher output flowrate.

16. Example of a Truck-Mounted Cleaning System

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a truck-mounted system 400 accordingto a further embodiment of the disclosure. A cleaning system, with oneor more of the components of the embodiments discussed herein, such asthose shown in FIG. 11, is mounted within truck 402. Using the referencenumbers shown in FIG. 11, truck 402 carries a source tank 106 forcontaining liquid, such as regular tap water, an onboard functionalgenerator 162 and one or more sparging devices 161 and/or 163 forelectrochemically activating and sparging the water. Alternatively, forexample, the sparging device(s) and/or the functional generator can beeliminated. The liquid distribution system includes one or more hoses404, which pass the electrochemically activated water (e.g., spargedanolyte EA water and/or sparged catholyte EA water) to a cleaning wand406, which dispenses the water onto the surface being cleaned. Cleaningwand 406 can further include an extractor, which is coupled by a hose408 to a vacuum source that is also carried by truck 402. As theoperator passes the cleaning end of wand 406 over the surface to becleaned, the wand dispenses the EA water onto the surface while theextractor recovers soiled water and debris from the surface.

In a further embodiment, a wand similar to wand 406 can be implementedon any of the cleaners shown or discussed with reference to any of thefigures herein, with or without additional cleaning or extraction toolsor recovery systems.

17. Odorant

FIG. 19 is a simplified block diagram, which illustrates a mobile orimmobile cleaner 500 having an EA water distribution system according toa further embodiment, which could be implemented in any of theembodiments discussed herein. In one embodiment, the distribution systemincludes a source of liquid 502, a sparging device 503, a functionalgenerator 504, a sparging device 504 and a fluid dispenser 506. Inaddition, cleaning system 500 includes a source of an odorous compound508, which can be drawn into the liquid flow path by a dispersion pump510 either upstream or downstream of functional generator 504. Otherapparatus and methods can also be used to disperse the odorous compoundin the liquid. For example, the odorous compound can be formed in theshape of a long lasting puck that can be placed in the flow path anddissolves slowly. Also, one or more of the sparging device 503,functional generator 504 or sparging device 505 can be eliminated inother embodiments.

The odorous compound adds an aroma or odor to the liquid affects,stimulates, or is perceived by the sense of smell of the user. Forexample, such an aroma could include a readily selectable scent thatcould be perceived by the user to indicate that the surface is clean.The scent could be “fresh”, “sharp” or “citrus”, for example. Otherscents can also be used for other effects, such as for aroma therapy orfor matching a situation in which the processed floor or surface isused. For example, a tropical scent can be used to match a tropicaldecor. The user of the cleaner can choose an appropriate scent for thesituation.

However, it has been found that one or more of the cleaning devicesdisclosed herein already provide a naturally “clean” scent without theuse of an extra odorous compound 508 due to the meta-stable reactivespecies that may be produced by the functional generator, such aschlorine.

18. Cleaning Liquid Generator

FIG. 20 is a simplified block diagram of a cleaning liquid generator 600that is mounted to a platform 601 according to an exemplary embodiment.Platform 601 can be configured to be mounted or placed in a facility ona floor, a wall, a bench or other surface, held by hand, carried by anoperator or vehicle, attached on to another device, be held by hand, orcarried on a person, etc. For example, platform 601 can be carried by acleaning or maintenance trolley or mop bucket. Platform 601 includes aninlet 602 for receiving a liquid, such as tap water, from a source.Alternatively, for example, platform 601 can include a tank for holdinga supply of liquid to be treated. Platform 601 further includes asparging device 603, a functional generator 604 and a further spargingdevice 605. In an embodiment, platform 601 includes only one of thesparging devices 603 or 605. In a further embodiment, both spargingdevices 603 and 605 are eliminated. The output of sparging device 605(or functional generator 604, is coupled to an outlet 606. Platform 601can also include any of the other devices or components such as but notlimited to those disclosed herein.

The flow paths from the output of functional generator 604 can beconfigured to dispense anolyte EA liquid only, catholyte EA liquid only,both anolyte EA liquid and catholyte EA liquid, or blended anolyte andcatholyte EA liquid. Unused anolyte or catholyte can be directed to awaste tank on platform 601 or to a drain outlet, for example. Inembodiments in which both anolyte and catholyte EA are dispensed throughoutlet 606, the outlet can have separate ports or a combined port, whichdelivers a blended mixture of catholyte and anolyte, for example, asdiscussed with reference to FIG. 11. Further, any of the embodimentsherein can include a storage tank for containing the produced liquid atthe output of the dispenser. Also, one or more of the sparging device603, functional generator 604 or sparging device 605 can be eliminatedin other embodiments.

In a further embodiment, platform can be incorporated into or on a spraybottle, such as a hand-triggered spray bottle, wherein the spray bottlecontains a liquid to be sprayed on a surface and the functionalgenerator converts the liquid to an anolyte EA liquid and a catholyte EAliquid prior to dispensing the converted liquid as an output spray. Theanolyte and catholyte EA liquids can be dispensed as a combined mixtureor as separate spray outputs. With a small and intermittent output flowrate provided the spray bottle, the functional generator can have asmall package and be powered by batteries carried by the package orspray bottle, for example.

19. Oxidation-Reduction Potential Indicator

Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a method and apparatus forproviding a user with a humanly-perceptible indication of theoxidation-reduction potential of EA liquid, such as but not limited tothe EA liquid generated or used in any of the embodiments discussedherein. For example, the mobile hard and/or soft floor surface cleanersdiscussed with respect to FIGS. 10-17 can be modified to include anonboard functional generator and a visual or audible indicator of theoutput liquid's oxidation-reduction potential. Similarly, any of theapparatus shown or described with reference to any of the other figurescan be modified to further include such an indicator.

The indicator can include a measurement instrument having an analog ordigital scale, an indicator light, a dial or a sound output, or caninclude a change in a perceptible property of the liquid such as itscolor. For example, a dye can be injected into the liquid based on anoutput of a measurement instrument or the color change can be triggeredby a chemical response of an additive within the liquid to theoxidation-reduction potential of the liquid. For example certain metalions can change the water color as a function of the water'soxidation-reduction potential.

In a further embodiment, the indicator provides a machine-readableanalog or digital output as a function of the oxidation-reductionpotential. The apparatus can include electrical hardware and softwarefor providing a respective output signal of any type, for monitoring theoxidation-reduction potential, and/or for storing a history of theoxidation-reduction potential and any other desired indicators thatreflect an operating state or condition of the apparatus. In oneembodiment, the apparatus monitors the amount of EA water being used,the status of the apparatus, and the oxidation-reduction potential ofthe output liquid. If the oxidation-reduction potential is not within adesired range or if another error condition occurs on the apparatus,this event can be logged on the apparatus and reported to the user ofthe machine or transmitted to local or remote maintenance personnelthrough a suitable output and transmission media. For example, a localmonitoring system can receive the transmission and send a correspondingreport to maintenance personnel through an email message. Othermaintenance events can also be logged and reported for triggeringautomatic maintenance steps.

Also, EA liquid usage can be automatically logged on the apparatus andtransmitted to a local or remote monitoring system for billing purposes.

In a further embodiment, the apparatus can monitor, log and/or reportthe status and functioning states of the sparging devices through any ofthe above methods. The apparatus can measure, log and report time ofoperation for purposes of scheduling certain maintenance procedures atpredetermined intervals. For example, in embodiments in which one ormore of the electrodes in the functional generator or sparging devicesemit ions, such as silver ions, a measure of the total time of use sincethe electrode was installed can be used to schedule replacement beforethe end of the electrode's useful life or to notify the user through anindicator.

20. Visual Indicator Representing Operation of Functional Generator

Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a method and apparatus forproviding a user with a humanly-perceptible indication of the electricaloperation of the functional generator or the sparger. The level of powerconsumed by the function generator (and/or sparger) can be used todetermine whether the functional generator is operating correctly andtherefore whether the liquid (EA anolyte and/or EA catholyte) producedby the generator is electrochemically activated to a sufficient level.Power consumption below a reasonable level can reflect various potentialproblems such as use of ultra-pure feed water or feed water having agenerally low electrolyte content (e.g., low sodium/mineral content)such that the water does not conduct a sufficient level of electricalcurrent within the functional generator. The current consumption cantherefore also indicate high or low levels of oxidation-reductionpotential, for example.

For example, the mobile hard and/or soft floor surface cleanersdiscussed with respect to FIGS. 10-17 can be modified to include anonboard functional generator and a visual, audible or tactile indicatorthat is representative of the power consumed by the functionalgenerator. Similarly, any of the apparatus shown or described withreference to any of the other figures can further include such anindicator.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a system 700 having an indicator accordingto an embodiment of the disclosure, which can be incorporated into anyof the embodiments disclosed herein, for example. System 700 includespower supply 702, functional generator (and/or sparger) 704, controlelectronics 706, cooling fan 708, current sensor, 710, logic circuit 712and indicator 714. For simplicity, the liquid inputs and outputs offunctional generator 704 are not shown in FIG. 21. All elements ofsystem 700 can be powered by the same power supply 702 or by two or moreseparate power supplies, for example.

Control electronics 706 are coupled to control the operating state offunctional generator 704 based on the present operating mode of system700 and user control inputs, such as those received from control unit146 of cleaner 100 shown in FIGS. 10A-10C. Control electronics 706 cancorrespond to the control electronics 64 in the embodiment shown in FIG.8A, for example. Cooling fan 708 can be provided to cool controlelectronics 706 and can be attached to a housing containing functionalgenerator 704 and control electronics 706, for example.

The power consumed by functional generator 710 can be monitored throughcurrent sensor 710, which can be coupled in electrical series withfunctional generator 704 and power supply 702. Current sensor 710provides an analog or digital output 716 that is representative of thecurrent flowing through the functional generator. Logic circuit 712compares output 716 to predetermined threshold current levels or rangesand then operates indicator 714 as a function of the comparison. Thethreshold current levels or ranges can be selected to representpredetermined power consumption levels, for example.

Indicator 714 can include an indicator light, a dial, a sound output, atactile output, a measurement instrument having an analog or digitalscale, or any other perceptible output. In one embodiment, shown in moredetail below with respect to FIG. 22, fan 708 is a lighted fancomprising one or more colored lights (e.g., LEDs) that are electricallycoupled in parallel with the fan motor, as shown in FIG. 21. Whenoperated by logic circuit 712 through switch 718, the lights function asindicator lights representative of the operating state of functionalgenerator 704. However, the indicator lights can be operated by logiccircuit 712 independently of the fan motor in other embodiments.

In one illustrative embodiment, logic circuit 712 operates the indicatorlights 714 as a function of the current level sensed by current sensor710. For example, logic circuit 712 can turn off (or alternatively, turnon) the indicator lights as a function of whether the current levelsensed is above or below a threshold level. In one embodiment, logiccircuit 712 operates the indicator lights in a steady “on” state whenthe sensed current level is above the threshold level, and cycles theindicator lights between the “on” state and an “off” state at a selectedfrequency to indicate a problem when the sensed current level is belowthe threshold level. Multiple threshold levels and frequencies can beused in other embodiments. Also, indicator 714 can include a pluralityof separately-controlled indicators, such as a plurality of lights, eachindicating operation within a predefined range. Alternatively or inaddition, logic circuit can be configured to alter the illuminationlevel of one or more indicator lights as a function of the sensedcurrent level relative to one or more thresholds or ranges, for example.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10C, the top of housing 150 includes acooling fan 708 for cooling the control electronics of the functionalgenerator and sparger. In this embodiment, the cooling fan included aMad Dog MD-80MM-4LED-F type 80 mm color fan, which includes four blueLED lights to illuminate the fan assembly when the fan is powered andthe fan blades are spinning at approximately 2000 RPM. This type of fanis typically used for gaming computer systems for cooling andillumination of a clear computer case that houses the computer hardware.Other types of lighted fans can be used in other embodiments.

In embodiment shown in FIG. 10C, the fan motor and LEDs are electricallycoupled in parallel with one another as shown in FIG. 21. The fan motorand LEDs are therefore turned on and off together under the control oflogic circuit 712. However, the fan motor and the LEDs can be controlledindependently as mentioned above. The lighted fan provides a simplemeans of visually indicating the health of the functional generator. Tothe user, the steady glow of the indicator light provides assurance thatthe water being applied to the surface being cleaned is in factelectrochemically activated.

FIG. 10B illustrates cleaner 100 with the lid 104 of the cleaner isclosed on top of base 102. Due to the placement of the functionalgenerator near a gap between lid 104 and base 102, the steady glow ofthe cooling fan LEDs, represented by arrows 720, is visible in an areaalong the side of the cleaner, during normal operation. However, theindicator light can be positioned at any other location, either with thefan motor or remote from the fan motor.

In another embodiment, indicator 714 can be located at any location onthe device in which system 700 is incorporated. For example, indicator714 can include one or more a light emitting diodes attached to the usercontrol panel of cleaner 100 shown in FIGS. 10A-10C. Alternatively, forexample, indicator 714 can be located within or on a housing of cleaner100.

In a further embodiment, logic circuit 712 can store a history of thecurrent level or consumed power and any other desired indicators thatreflect an operating state or condition of the apparatus. In oneembodiment, if the consumed power is not within a desired range or ifanother error condition occurs on the apparatus, this event can belogged on the apparatus and reported to the user of the machine ortransmitted to local or remote maintenance personnel through a suitableoutput and transmission media. For example, a local monitoring systemcan receive the transmission and send a corresponding report tomaintenance personnel through an email message. Other maintenance eventscan also be logged and reported for triggering automatic maintenancesteps.

In yet another embodiment, the indicator includes a tactile indicator,such as a vibrator, which vibrates and element of the cleaner when thepower consumed by the functional generator is outside a desired range orbelow some threshold. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS.10A-10C, the tactile indicator can vibrate control handle 148 or wheels118 or 119. In an embodiment that includes a seat for the operator, thetactile indicator can selectively vibrate the seat upon an errorcondition.

21. Output Liquid

In an exemplary embodiment, a sparged reaction product is provided,which is produced at least in part from water being in contact with ananode and a cathode, the anode and cathode being separated by a membranethat permits one-way transport across the membrane of selected ionsgenerated by the cathode or anode.

For example, the reaction product may include tap water or may consistessentially of water. Other fluids can also be used. The reactionproduct can include a combination of an anolyte and a catholyte, asdiscussed above. The catholyte may be characterized by a stochiometricexcess of hydroxide ions, for example.

In a further exemplary embodiment, a reaction product is provided, whichis produced from a combination of water being in contact with an anodeand water being in contact with a cathode, the anode and cathode beingseparated by a membrane that permits one-way transport across themembrane of selected ions generated by the cathode or anode.

For example, the membrane permits one-way transport of hydroxide ionstowards the cathode, the hydrogen ions having been generated by theanode, and wherein the membrane permits transport across the membrane ofions generated by the cathode towards the anode. The reaction productcan include, for example, an anolyte produced by the anode and acatholyte produced by the cathode, wherein the catholyte ischaracterized by a stochiometric excess of hydroxide ions.

In a further exemplary embodiment, a combined anolyte and catholyteelectrochemically activated fluid is provided. For example, the fluidcan include tap water or can consist essentially of water. Other fluidscan also be used.

22. Conclusion

With no added surfactant or detergent, one or more embodiments provide acleaning system that is purely non-chemical and has the ability to usetypical tap water that has been electrochemically activated as theprimary or sole liquid while providing effective cleaning and/orsanitizing properties. However, surfactants or detergents can be addedif desired. Also, the addition of sparging upstream and/or downstream ofthe functional generator can further enhance the cleaning or sanitizingproperties of the output liquid and production efficiency. The systemcan therefore provide an effective environmental solution for cleaningresidential, industrial, commercial, hospital, food processing, andrestaurant facilities and more. The cleaning system can be mobile orimmobile.

Also, when tap water has been electrochemically activated as the solecleaning liquid when used in a cleaning and/or sanitizing system, node-foaming chamber would be required in the recovery tank of a hard orsoft floor scrubbing machine.

Although the present invention has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention. Also, the term “coupled” as used in thespecification and claims can include a direct connection or a connectionthrough one or more intermediate elements.

1. A mobile surface cleaner comprising: a mobile body configured totravel over a surface; a source of a liquid; a pump; a liquid dispenser;a functional generator, which comprises an anode chamber and a cathodechamber separated by an ion exchange membrane and whichelectrochemically activates the liquid from the liquid source that ispassed through the functional generator into an anolyte liquid in theanode chamber and a catholyte liquid in the cathode chamber; a flowpath, from the liquid source to the liquid dispenser, which passesthrough the functional generator and lacks any liquid storage tanksbetween the functional generator and the dispenser and is configured tocombine all of the anolyte liquid produced in the anode chamber and allof the catholyte liquid produced in the cathode chamber to form acombined anolyte and catholyte liquid on the cleaner without anintermediate step of storing either of the anolyte or catholyte liquidsproduced by the functional generator; and a control circuit coupled tothe pump and the functional generator and configured to provide: a firstoperating mode during motion of the cleaner relative to the surface,during which the control circuit energizes the pump to pump the liquidalong the flow path and energizes the functional generator toelectrochemically activate the liquid that is passed through thefunctional generator and during which substantially all of the combinedanolyte and catholyte liquid is dispensed from the mobile floor cleaningdevice upon electrical activation by the functional generator; and asecond operating mode when the cleaner is at rest relative to thesurface being cleaned, during which the control circuit de-energizes thepump to terminate flow of the cleaning liquid along the flow path andthe control circuit de-energizes the functional generator.
 2. The mobilesurface cleaner of claim 1 wherein the liquid source comprises a tank tocarry a supply of the liquid.
 3. The mobile surface cleaner of claim 1wherein the functional generator comprises a first plurality of anodechambers and a second plurality of cathode chambers.
 4. The mobilesurface cleaner of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is configured toapply a DC voltage between electrodes in the anode chamber and thecathode chamber of the functional generator and to periodically switchpolarity of the DC voltage.
 5. The mobile surface cleaner of claim 1 andfurther comprising: a sparging device in fluid communication with theflow path.
 6. The mobile surface cleaner of claim 5, wherein thesparging device comprises an electrolyzing cell that lacks an ionexchange membrane and which oxygenates at least one of the liquid fromthe source or the electrochemically activated liquid from the functionalgenerator by electrolysis.
 7. The mobile surface cleaner of claim 1wherein the liquid source comprises a tank carried by the cleaner andwherein the cleaner further comprises: a motorized cleaning headconnected to the mobile body and comprising a cleaning tool, wherein theliquid dispenser is configured to apply the combined anolyte andcatholyte liquid to at least one of the elements of the group comprisingthe surface, the cleaning tool or both the surface and the cleaningtool; and a fluid recovery device connected to the mobile body.
 8. Themobile surface cleaner of claim 7, wherein the fluid recovery devicecomprises a vacuum squeegee connected to the mobile body to engage thesurface.
 9. The mobile surface cleaner of claim 8, wherein the cleaningtool comprises a scrub brush.
 10. The mobile surface cleaner of claim 7,wherein: the cleaning tool comprises a soil transfer roller or anextraction tool; and the fluid recovery device comprises a vacuumextractor configured to remove liquid from at least one of the surfacebeing cleaned or the cleaning tool.
 11. An apparatus comprising: amobile body configured to travel over a surface; a source of a liquid; apump; a liquid dispenser; a functional generator, which comprises ananode chamber and a cathode chamber separated by an ion exchangemembrane and which electrochemically activates the liquid from theliquid source that is passed through the functional generator into ananolyte liquid in the anode chamber and a catholyte liquid in thecathode chamber, wherein the functional generator is configured tocombine all of the anolyte liquid produced in the anode chamber and allof the catholyte liquid produced in the cathode chamber at an output ofthe functional generator to form a combined anolyte and catholyte liquidwithout any intermediate storage of either the anolyte or catholyteliquids produced by the functional generator; a flow path, from theliquid source to the liquid dispenser, which passes through thefunctional generator and lacks any liquid storage tanks between thefunctional generator and the dispenser without intermediate storage ofthe anolyte or catholyte liquids between the functional generator andthe dispenser; a control circuit configured to operate the pump andfunctional generator “on demand”, wherein the control circuit comprises:a first operating mode during motion of the mobile body relative to thesurface, during which the control circuit energizes the pump to pump theliquid along the flow path and energizes the functional generator toelectrochemically activate the liquid that is passed through thefunctional generator and during which substantially all of the combinedanolyte and catholyte liquid is dispensed from the mobile floor cleaningdevice upon electrical activation by the functional generator; and asecond operating mode when the mobile body is at rest relative to thesurface being cleaned, during which the control circuit de-energizes thepump to terminate flow of the cleaning liquid along the flow path andthe control circuit de-energizes the functional generator.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 11 wherein the cleaning liquid source comprises atank to carry a supply of the liquid.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11wherein the functional generator comprises a first plurality of anodechambers and a second plurality of cathode chambers, separated by ionexchange membranes.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the controlcircuit applies a DC voltage between electrodes of the functionalgenerator and periodically switches polarity of the DC voltage.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 11 and further comprising: a sparging device in fluidcommunication with the flow path.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, whereinthe sparging device comprises an electrolyzing cell, which lacks an ionexchange membrane.
 17. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the liquidsource comprises a tank carried by the apparatus and wherein theapparatus further comprises: a motorized cleaning head connected to themobile body and comprising a cleaning tool, wherein the liquid dispenseris configured to apply the combination of the anolyte liquid and thecatholyte liquid to at least one of the elements of the group comprisingthe surface, the cleaning tool or both the surface and the cleaningtool; and a fluid recovery device connected to the mobile body.
 18. Theapparatus of claim 17, wherein the fluid recovery device comprises avacuum squeegee connected to the mobile body to engage the surface. 19.The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the cleaning tool comprises a scrubbrush.
 20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein: the cleaning toolcomprises a soil transfer roller or an extraction tool; and the fluidrecovery device comprises a vacuum extractor configured to remove liquidfrom at least one of the surface being cleaned or the cleaning tool.